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If an inexperienced driver injured you or a loved one, the Albuquerque teen driver car accident lawyers at Law Giant Injury Lawyers can help. We’ve worked with countless victims of impulsive and unpredictable teen drivers and know how to use New Mexico car accident laws to support your case.

With an extensive history of handling cases involving teen drivers and complex insurance claims, our Albuquerque car accident law firm is here to fight to get you maximum compensation. Call 505-900-0000 today. We offer 100% free case evaluations, and there’s no cost unless you recover compensation.

 

Teen Driver Accidents in NM

According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation, teen drivers aged 15 to 19 are involved in over 11% of all crashes in New Mexico. In 2021, there were over 125 crashes per 1,000 licensed teen drivers.

Crashes were most frequent from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with male teens more likely to be involved in accidents. The fatal crash rate for teens was 8.6 per 10,000 licensed drivers. Key causes included speeding, distracted driving, and alcohol, but alcohol-related fatalities decreased in 2021 compared to 2020.

Types of Teen Driver Auto Accidents

Teens are often involved in crashes with other teens, older drivers, and even solo accidents. Each of these teen driver auto accidents presents unique considerations for the teens, parents, and other drivers.

Solo Teen Driver Accidents

Teen drivers are statistically more prone to accidents, especially during their first month of solo driving. Insurance companies may try to deny these claims because of reckless or irresponsible driving practices. So, it’s important to work with a lawyer to get property damage and other damages covered.

Teen vs. Teen Accidents

Accidents between two teen drivers are common, especially before and after school. Anytime a large group of teens is driving, everyone is at risk because of inexperience and potentially reckless behaviors that teens may exhibit while showing off to friends.

Accidents Involving Teen Drivers & Other Motorists

When a teen driver hits an older driver, tensions can flare. Older drivers often feel like they’ve done nothing wrong, and teens think they have something to prove. It’s best to stick to the facts, allow the police to make a report, and let the insurance companies and lawyers deal with it.

Don’t dispute fault on the side of the road with an emotional teen driver after a collision.

What Causes Teen Car Accidents in NM?

Teen drivers face unique challenges in Albuquerque traffic. Teens are generally more inexperienced than older drivers and more likely to take risks. Their impulsive actions can result in unpredictable driving, which can cause crashes.

Some common causes of teen driver car accidents in Albuquerque include:

  • Alcohol intoxication (drunk driving)
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving (cell phone use)
  • Inexperience
  • Aggressive driving (road rage)

It’s important to work with your New Mexico teenage driver car crash attorney to determine the cause of your accident. This can help you establish liability and get the compensation you deserve.

Injuries in Teen Driver Accidents

Injuries common in collisions with inexperienced drivers can be serious because of the reckless causes of those crashes. Extreme speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving can all result in significant damages.

Common injuries include:

What to Do After a Teen Driver Car Accident

Teen driver accidents may require some additional steps than a typical collision. Here’s what to do after a crash with an inexperienced driver in Albuquerque:

  • Call 911 and request a police officer and an ambulance if anyone needs medical treatment.
  • Turn on your car hazard lights and move out of traffic, if possible.
  • Document the scene by taking pictures of all vehicles, people involved, traffic signals and signs, etc.
  • Exchange information with the teen driver, including their parents’ insurance information and a photo of their driver’s license.
  • Gather witness information, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
  • Contact the teen driver’s parents to inform them about the accident as soon as possible.
  • Contact a teen car accident injury lawyer in NM to get started with an insurance claim.

Recent results from our Injury lawyers at Law Giant Injury Lawyers...

$14
Million
Workplace Injury - Burns
$8
Million
Company Vehicle - Brain Injury
$10.6
Million
Trucking Crash - Wrongful Death
$8.5
Million
Spinal injuries
$7.0
Million
TBI injury and spine injuries
$7.5
Million
Spine Injuries
$1.8
Million
Spine injuries
$2.2
Million
Spine injuries and a surgical rec.

*The outcome of any individual case depends on factors unique to that case. Past case results listed on this website do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.

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What the Law Says about Teen Driver Accidents

Parental liability for a teen driver accident is a significant consideration. If a teen driver’s actions contribute to an accident, their parents could be held liable for injuries and damages caused to others.

In most cases, the teen will be covered by their parent’s insurance policy, and that insurance company will cover the damages. However, if the parents do not have insurance, they may be held personally liable.

Insurance Coverage for Teen Driver Accidents

It can be difficult to deal with the insurance companies after a teen driver accident. Insurance companies are notorious for denying claims involving teen drivers.

Teens rarely have policy limits high enough to cover all their damages because their premiums are costly. This can leave them without enough money to fully compensate them. Your attorney may have to file a teen driver lawsuit against the driver’s parents to get the money they deserve.

A Lawyer Can Help with Teen Driver Accidents

When you work with the Law Giant Injury Lawyers, you get an experienced Albuquerque teen driver car accident attorney who will guide you through the legal system and help you get the best outcome possible.

Law Giant Injury Lawyers know how to use New Mexican car accident laws to build a strong case. They realize that teen driver accidents can be unique and will develop arguments about getting you the maximum compensation possible.

Teen driver insurance claims can be more complex than typical car accident lawsuits. Law Giant Injury Lawyers will tactfully negotiate with the adjustors for a settlement or take your case to court if necessary.

Compensation in NM after Teen Driver Accidents

Different types of damages can be claimed in teen driver accident cases, categorized into economic and non-economic damages:

Teen Driver – Economic Damages

These are tangible financial losses from the accident aimed at restoring the injured party’s financial status:

  • Medical expenses: Covers all medical treatment costs, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and future medical needs.
  • Lost wages: Compensates for income lost due to injury, including salary and other benefits.
  • Loss of earning capacity: Compensates for future income loss if the accident permanently impairs the ability to work.
  • Property damage: Covers repair or replacement of damaged vehicles and other property.
  • Out-of-pocket expenses: Reimburses costs related to the accident, such as transport to medical facilities and childcare expenses.

Teen Driver – Non-Economic Damages

These cover intangible losses and are more subjective:

  • Pain and suffering: Compensates for physical pain and discomfort from injuries, considering their severity and duration.
  • Emotional distress: Addresses mental issues like anxiety, depression, PTSD resulting from the accident.

Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensates for the inability to partake in previously enjoyed activities due to the accident’s physical or emotional effects.

How Much Is a Teen Driver Accident Worth?

Several factors, including the severity of injuries, economic and non-economic damages, liability, insurance coverage, and legal representation, influence the compensation for a teen driver accident. Severe injuries may lead to higher compensation, especially when considering long-term disability. The financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage significantly impact the case value. Subjective factors like pain, suffering, and emotional distress also play a role in determining compensation, which varies widely from one case to another.

Insurance claims can cover 100% of economic damages and provide compensation for non-economic damages up to the limits of the teen driver’s insurance policy. If these damages exceed the policy limits, further compensation might require filing a personal injury lawsuit against the teen’s parents or guardians. Each case’s value depends on specific details, and consulting with a personal injury lawyer can provide a more accurate estimate tailored to the individual circumstances.

See what past clients of our lawyers at Law Giant Injury Lawyers have to say...

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Great group of people to work with—very efficient and professional. Alex has put together a great Team!
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Teen Driver Car Accident FAQs

Who is liable for a teen driver accident?

While a teen may be at fault for the accident, their parents are ultimately liable for any damages they cause. Teens are typically insured by their parents’ insurance policies so the insurance company will pay you compensation.

How is fault determined in a teen driver accident?

Fault is determined by examining evidence from the accident scene, witness statements, and possibly surveillance footage. The police report and insurance company investigations also play crucial roles in establishing who is at fault.

Can a teen driver be sued personally for an accident?

Generally, parents or guardians are sued under the “family purpose doctrine” or similar laws, which hold them responsible for the teen’s actions while driving. However, if a teen is emancipated or the sole owner of the vehicle, they could potentially be sued directly.

How long do I have to file a claim after an accident involving a teen driver?

In NM, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, this time limit can vary based on the ages of those involved and other specific circumstances. It’s advisable to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the legal deadlines.

Should I accept an insurance offer after a teen driver accident?

You should never accept an insurance settlement offer after a teen driver accident without speaking to a lawyer. It will likely not cover all your damages. Initial offers are usually just a way for the insurance company to get rid of the claim quickly. Instead, work with a New Mexico teenage driver car crash attorney to get a full and fair settlement.

Contact the Law Giant after a Teen Driver Accident

Law Giant Injury Lawyers in Albuquerque have a strong background in handling teen driver accident cases and know how to prove fault so victims secure all the compensation they need. Our skill and experience mean our personal injury lawyers can effectively confront insurance companies that frequently attempt to deny such claims, ensuring clients like you are not unfairly treated and receive everything they are entitled to.

Teen driver accidents are prevalent in Albuquerque and can lead to severe or even life-threatening injuries. Law Giant Injury Lawyers offers free consultations, and there’s no cost unless we win. Call 505-900-0000 or contact us to take the first step towards resolving your case.