These days, safe driving is not to be a skill in which everyone is well versed. Some drivers, especially teenagers, are easily distracted by using technology, eating, or other poor driving behaviors. This can, unfortunately, lead to car accidents and, in some cases, serious injury. Our Chicago personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of recovering financial compensation for your injuries or damages after an incident with an unsafe teenage driver.
Inexperienced Driver Behaviors
Because they lack driving experience, teenage drivers are more likely to cause accidents. Distracted driving causes a majority of car accidents involving teens. Teens often lack focus and the ability to evaluate road conditions, unlike more experienced drivers. In addition, they may be more likely to:
- Drive while distracted by technology, music, and other media
- Use their cell phones while driving
- Chase other vehicles of friends or acquaintances
- Engage in street racing
- Attend to their appearance and grooming while driving
- Text and drive
- Check emails while driving
- Use a navigation system while driving
Drivers who engage in these behaviors lack control and are more likely to drive recklessly. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teen drivers are more than 20 times as likely to have a car accident than any other age group of drivers. This can lead to severe injuries to others and property damage.
Youth Does Not Excuse Accountability
Just because a driver is young does not mean they cannot be held responsible for an accident. Like any other Illinois driver, teenage drivers must carry a minimum amount of insurance. This includes bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and property damage liability coverage of $20,000. In addition, they must have a minimum uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and uninsured motorist property damage coverage of $15,000.
Illinois uses a fault-based system for handling car accident cases. An injured driver has to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy after an accident. However, you must prove the other driver is at fault to prevail. This is where the assistance of an experienced attorney is invaluable.
Having an attorney on your side is also invaluable if you need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This may happen if a driver does not have sufficient insurance or their insurer does not offer you a fair amount of compensation for your injuries. An attorney can assess the merits and value of your case and guide you accordingly.
Speak with an Attorney Promptly
Dealing with an injury can be overwhelming. A personal injury attorney can help take this stress out of your hands. But you need to act promptly. In Illinois, you have two years from the date of your injury to sue on a claim, with some exceptions. Our attorneys understand these rules and deal with these issues regularly.
Contact our office today for a free consultation about your case.