Brookhaven
Teen Driving Accident Lawyer

Teenage drivers in Brookhaven have less experience than adult drivers. Teens are also most likely to make driving mistakes. If a teen driver has caused your accident, get help from a teen driving accident lawyer today.

Auto accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths in the United States. When teenagers are involved in accidents, the damages tend to be severe. At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers will work to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE legal consultation.

Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents in Brookhaven

Anyone can cause an accident in Brookhaven. But teen drivers are more likely to make careless mistakes behind the wheel. A teen driving accident might happen because of:

• Texting while driving
• Speeding
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Putting on makeup
• Talking on the phone
• Drowsy driving
• Distracted driving

Teenagers are especially immersed in technology. They carry their cell phones everywhere, and distractions are around every corner. If a teen driver is not careful, they’ll end up causing a terrible accident.

You Can Protect Your Rights After the Accident

Teen drivers might become scared after a crash. They might flee the scene or try to avoid responsibility. You can protect your rights by:

• Calling the police to report the accident;
• Taking pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene;
• Exchanging contact and insurance information with the teen driver;
• Talking to any eyewitnesses; and
• Contacting a teen driving accident lawyer.

If the teen driver leaves the scene, try to remember their appearance. If you can, snap pictures of their car and license plate. Don’t try to chase the driver; stay at the scene, and call the police.

If the teen driver stays at the scene, exchange information, and wait for the police. Avoid admitting any blame or discussing the accident. Tell the police if you noticed any suspicious behavior from the driver.

After leaving the scene, call a teen driving accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer will know where to start. They can determine if you have a case and what type of settlement you deserve.

Teen Driving Laws in Georgia

Teenagers must go through three steps to get their driver’s licenses. The name of the program is the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA). This program aims to reduce the number of teen driving accident deaths.

Here is the three-step process for TADRA.

1. Instructional Permit (Class CP)

Drivers age 15 and up must pass a knowledge exam to get their permit. When the teen drives, they must have a licensed adult driver of at least 21 years old in the passenger seat.

2. Provisional License (Class D)

A 16- or 17-year-old can get their Class D license after:

• Having an instructional permit for one year,
• Passing a comprehensive on-road driving test, and
• Holding a permit without any major traffic violations.

The teen must also have at least 40 hours of supervised driving. Six of those hours must be at night. Class D licenses also come with restrictions for when a teen can drive.

3. Full License (Class C)

When a teen turns 18, they can get a full Class D driver’s license. However, the teen must have no major traffic convictions in the last 12 months.

The Family Purpose Doctrine

The at-fault driver in an accident is typically responsible for the damages. If you were injured in an accident, you would file an insurance claim for compensation (Georgia Code §51-12-4). But teen driving accidents are more complicated.

Georgia has a common law called the Family Purpose Doctrine. Under this rule, a vehicle’s owner is liable for damages if a family member crashes the vehicle. If a teen driver causes an accident, their parents could be responsible for the teen’s actions.

After your accident, you might need to pursue the driver’s parents for damages. To learn more, talk to a Brookhaven teen driving accident lawyer. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact John Foy & Associates online for a FREE consultation.

Teen Driving Crashes Are Very Common

There were 180 accident deaths in teens under age 21 in 2015, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). When an accident involves speed, the chance of death is three times higher. Also, more young male drivers are involved in deadly speeding-related crashes.

Teenagers are the riskiest group for fatal accidents. Not only are teens less experienced at driving, but their brains are still developing. They are more likely to make careless mistakes on Brookhaven roads.

Teen Driving Accident Damages

If you or a loved one were injured in a teen accident, you’re not alone. An experienced lawyer can help you. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll investigate the details and help build a strong injury claim. You can pursue compensation for costs like:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Save all evidence of your costs. Also, write down how the accident has affected your life. Your lawyer will determine the value of your total damages—including emotional injuries like pain and suffering.

You should not have to pay for an accident you didn’t cause. Contact a Brookhaven teen driving accident lawyer today to learn your options and protect your rights.

Get a Free Consultation with a Brookhaven Teen Driving Accident Lawyer Now

If you were the victim of a teen driving accident, you have rights. But don’t wait too long to take action. Georgia law doesn’t let you take action past the statute of limitations.

In Brookhaven, you typically have two years from your accident date to file a claim. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll guide you through each step. Our lawyers have helped countless accident victims over the past 20-plus years. We know what it takes to win.

Working with us is risk-free for each client. We do not charge you a fee unless we win your case. Plus, the consultation is always 100% FREE. Schedule your FREE consultation—call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.