Getting a driver’s license can be a significant milestone in a teenager’s life. However, there’s no way around the fact that young drivers have less experience behind the wheel. Differences in maturity levels can lead to dangerous decisions like distracted driving and reckless driving, which increase the risk of teenage car accidents. Sadly, these crashes are sometimes fatal.
If your family member passed away after a car accident involving a teen driver in California, state law allows qualifying relatives to seek compensation for their losses. A car accident attorney from Demas Law Group can help you pursue the financial relief and accountability you deserve.
With over 25 years of experience in wrongful death cases, our legal team will advocate fiercely for you to get justice for your loss. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in California.
Why Are Teen Drivers Involved in So Many Car Accidents?
According to the most current teenager car accident statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety, 474 fatal accidents in the state involved a driver between the ages of 15 and 20, a nearly 15 percent increase from the previous year. The California Administrative Office of the Courts notes that teens suffer injuries or fatalities in car accidents at a rate four times higher than adults. Additional data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found over 2,600 people died in auto accidents involving teens aged 15 to 18 in a recent year.
Multiple factors increase the chances of teenager drivers being involved in a car accident in California. Some of the top reasons for these motor vehicle accidents include:
- Inexperience – As new drivers, teens are still sharpening the skills they need to drive safely. Critical skills include spotting potential collision hazards, driving at night, and knowing how to react and control the vehicle in an emergency.
- Lack of maturity – Teenagers still need to fully develop skills such as risk evaluation or appreciating the potential consequences of actions. As a result, teens may feel more inclined to act impulsively or take risks while driving.
- Distracted driving – Many teenagers spend considerable time on their phones. When texting, making a call, or checking social media happens behind the wheel, the threat of a car accident increases exponentially. Chatting with friends is another common distraction for teenage drivers.
- Impaired driving – Unfortunately, some teens experiment with alcohol and/or drugs at this age. Intoxication heightens the risk of car crashes, which can have heartbreaking consequences.
California Laws Designed to Protect Teens
Recognizing that teen drivers are at a high risk of getting into car accidents, California legislators enacted the graduated driver’s license (GDL) program in 1997. A GDL imposes restrictions on teen drivers until they meet certain driving milestones.
First, teenagers must hold a learner’s permit, which restricts their driving privileges under various conditions. Once they meet those requirements, they move on to a provisional license and finally, a full license.
State law says cell phone use is not permitted for any drivers under 18 for any reason. Teens who violate any restrictions of the graduated driver’s license program must wait an additional year before proceeding to the next stage, and those violations will also appear on the teen’s driving record.
While GDL programs have shown a substantial reduction in teen car accidents in many states, they are by no means a guarantee. It’s smart to consult an attorney if someone you loved died in a teen car accident.
Legal Options After a Fatal Teenage Car Accident
The Code of Civil Procedure 377.60 is the wrongful death law in California. Under this statute, certain family members or the personal representative of the victim’s estate can seek financial compensation after a car accident caused by a teen driver. Eligible family members could include the victim’s:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Step-children (in some instances)
- Other dependents
- Anyone entitled to compensation under California laws of intestate succession (if the victim died without a will)
In California, a parent or guardian can be held liable for a car accident if the responsible teenager is under 18 in most cases. That means you would file a wrongful death claim with the parents’ insurance company to demand compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer can prepare the claim and handle all negotiations with the insurer.
What to Do After a Teen Car Accident Fatality
At Demas Law Group, we know filing a wrongful death lawsuit may feel like the last thing you can handle while coping with your loss. However, some families find that wrongful death compensation gives them a measure of peace by holding the responsible party accountable for their actions. The money can also relieve any financial burdens that come with the loss. For example, if your loved one was the primary source of household income, compensation could help replace lost earnings.
If and when you’re ready, here’s what you can do:
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney – You can learn your legal options during a free consultation. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer or even file a claim if you don’t want to.
- Get a copy of the police accident report – The report provides details about what happened in the car accident, who was involved, and the officer’s initial opinion of fault.
- Record all accident-related expenses – Funeral and burial expenses, medical bills, and other receipts can help your car accident lawyer quantify your financial losses. Your attorney can also place a value on your emotional losses after a fatal teen car accident.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all this information close at hand. Our legal team can assist with gathering documentation as we investigate your claim.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
The top-rated car accident attorneys with Demas Law Group provide compassionate and effective legal representation to families reeling from the loss of a family member in a teen car accident. Let us support you in filing a wrongful death claim and demanding compensation for your loss.
Californians come to Demas Law Group for our client-centered approach and quality legal services. We can help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Sacramento car accident lawyer.
