Teen Driver Accidents in Cape Coral

Attorneys Representing Clients in Cape Coral

Teenagers are often excited to obtain their drivers’ licenses and to be able to operate vehicles independently. Teen drivers are obligated to comply with the rules and laws imposed on all other motorists, but unfortunately, many fail to do so, and teenagers are one of the primary causes of car crashes throughout Florida. If you were injured in a crash caused by a teen driver, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses, and you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. At Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A, our seasoned Cape Coral car accident attorneys can advise you of your potential claims and help you to pursue the best legal outcome possible in your case. We regularly represent parties in cases arising out of teen driver accidents in Cape Coral and other cities throughout Florida.

Circumstances that Cause Teen Driver Accidents

While various circumstances can lead to collisions, there are certain behaviors that teenage drivers often engage in that are more likely to lead to accidents. For example, many teenagers drive at excessive speeds, which reduces their ability to stop or react in time to avoid a collision. Additionally, teens are more likely to be distracted by cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, which often causes crashes. Many teenagers present a risk of harm simply due to their inexperience and uncertainty regarding how to respond to certain conditions or situations.

Proving Liability for a Teen Driver Accident

Teenage drivers, like all motorists, are obligated to drive in a careful manner, and if they fail to do so and subsequently cause another person to suffer harm, they should be held accountable. While a variety of situations can lead to a collision, the primary factor that causes crashes is usually careless driving. As such, in most instances, a plaintiff seeking damages for the harm caused by a car accident will allege that the defendant driver was negligent.

Under Florida law, a plaintiff alleging negligence must prove that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty. The duty owed may be the general duty to act with reasonable care under the circumstances present at the time an accident occurred, or it may be a specific duty imposed by a statute, such as a law regarding the operation of motor vehicles. The plaintiff then has to establish that the defendant’s acts constituted a breach of the duty owed. Finally, the plaintiff must show that the breach proximately caused actual harm. In other words, the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant’s behavior was one of the primary forces in bringing about the crash and that the accident would not have occurred absent the defendant’s behavior.

If a teenage driver that causes an accident is under the age of eighteen, Florida law states the driver’s negligence may be imputed to the parent or guardian that signed the driver’s application for a license or permit. Further, the parent or guardian may be jointly and severally liable for any damages caused by the driver.

Damages Awarded in Car Accident Cases

Plaintiffs that prove defendants are liable in car accident cases may be awarded the cost of any necessary medical care, including hospitalization and physical and occupational therapy, as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Plaintiffs that could not work due to their injuries may be awarded lost wages as well. Additionally, damages may include compensation for their suffering, pain, and emotional and mental trauma.

Speak to a Dedicated Attorney in Cape Coral

Teenage drivers frequently cause collisions that result in significant physical and financial harm, but people hurt in crashes caused by young drivers have the right to pursue damages. If you were injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, it is important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible regarding your rights. The attorneys of Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A. are dedicated to helping people injured by reckless drivers in the pursuit of damages, and if you hire us, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf. 

We regularly represent people in cases arising out of car crashes in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, and Naples, where our offices are located. You can contact us at (239) 908-4930 or via our online form to set up a conference.