Teenage drivers are more likely to be involved in auto accidents than any other age group due to inexperience behind the wheel. If you have been injured in an accident involving a teen driver, our Miami auto accident lawyers can advise you of your options. If we accept your case, you can trust that we will tirelessly protect your rights through the entire legal process.
Car accidents are still the leading cause of teen deaths in the US. Given this reality, it is vital for parents and teenagers to have ongoing discussions about how to be safe and responsible behind the wheel. Last month, a survey released by Hum by Verizon during National Teen Driver Safety Week shed some light on how parents need to be an example of safe driving for their children. The evaluation, which surveyed 1,000 US teen drivers, revealed that 79 percent of these drivers stated that they depend on their parents or guardians beyond any other figures to be role models for their driving.
Unfortunately, parents do not always set the right example. The survey found that 80 percent of teenage drivers have seen their parent or guardian drive in an unsafe manner in the past year alone; 57 percent of teenage drivers have seen their parents drive over the posted speed limit; 46 percent of teenage drivers have seen their parents slam on the brakes; and 25 percent have seen their parents drive while not wearing a seat belt or make an illegal maneuver while driving.
Teen Driver Accidents in Florida
Drivers of every age must be careful behind the wheel to avoid injuring themselves and others. Teen drivers, just like any other drivers, are accountable for the accidents that they cause. The vast majority of auto accidents are caused by negligence. Negligence occurs when a person fails to use the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under the same or similar circumstances. In order to win a negligence claim in Florida, the plaintiff must demonstrate the following:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care;
- The defendant breached the duty of care owed to the plaintiff;
- The defendant’s breach was a direct cause of the accident; and
- The plaintiff suffered compensable injuries as a result.
Negligence Per Se
In some cases, a driver may be negligent as a matter of law. For instance, if a teen was driving while drunk, you may be able to assert a claim under the theory of negligence per se, which is applicable when a person breaks a law intended to protect a certain class of people from a specific type of harm. Since Florida law prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol, if a teen is convicted of a DUI, he or she may be deemed negligent per se.
Skilled Miami Auto Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in an accident involving a teen, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our skilled Miami teen accident attorneys handle a variety of personal injury cases, including those involving teen drivers. With extensive experience, you can rest assured that we offer diligent guidance and advocacy to South Florida crash victims. Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us via our form online.
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