Philadelphia Teen Driver Accident Lawyers

Driving is a right of passage for most teenagers that gives them a new sense of freedom. Unfortunately, due to their lack of experience behind the wheel, adolescents are often involved in devastating vehicle wrecks.

Whether you were struck by a teenage motorist or your adolescent child was involved in a collision with a negligent driver, you should consider working with a seasoned injury attorney. A Philadelphia teen driver accident lawyer could walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have during a free case consultation.

What Age Can a Person Be Eligible to Drive in Pennsylvania?

Teenagers in Philadelphia can obtain their learner’s permit at 15 years of age if they can pass the written exam. The learner’s permit must be held at least six months before the student can apply for road tests to get a provisional license, and they must complete a set number of hours of supervised driving both during the day and at night. They must then pass a written and skills test in order to obtain their full driver’s license.

Common Causes of Collisions Involving Teenagers

Unfortunately, adolescents are more at risk of being involved in auto accidents due to their inexperience behind the wheel. Lack of experience oftentimes contributes to them being unable to appropriately take evasive measures or judge a situation on the roadway which can result in a collision. For instance, a young motorist who has never driven on snow or ice may overcorrect if their vehicle starts to slide, which can cause the car to overturn and roll.

Montgomery County lawyers also see a lot of teen driving accidents related to distracted driving with the rise of cell phone use. Many teenagers use their smartphones to stream music, access social media sites, send texts or calls, and follow directions on the GPS. Using a cellular device while driving is not only illegal in Pennsylvania, it also puts these teenagers and all other commuters at risk of a catastrophic accident.

What Should a Teen Driver Do After a Wreck?

Parents of adolescent drivers should prepare their kids for the event of a crash. Local attorneys often recommend teenagers involved in vehicle collisions receive prompt medical attention, gather important evidence, and obtain legal representation early in the case.

Receive Medical Attention

Teenagers may be hesitant to seek medical care following an accident, especially if they believe their injuries to be relatively minor. However, severe and deadly injuries do not always present themselves right away, such as a traumatic brain injury. Failure to seek immediate medical treatment could worsen these injuries and result in lasting damage.

Gather Evidence

It is important to document as much of the area and accident as they can by taking photos or videos, getting the names and information of any witnesses, and exchanging insurance information with the people that are involved in the accident. They should also be sure to report the accident to the police and wait at the scene in order to give law enforcement their version of events.

Obtain Legal Representation Early

Most legal professionals recommend consulting with a knowledgeable attorney prior to speaking to any insurance company related to the accident. While a teen owes a duty to give a statement to their own insurance company, they do not owe a duty to give any kind of statement to the defendant’s insurance company. A well-practiced lawyer could help the teenager avoid compromising their case when speaking with insurers.

Reach Out to a Philadelphia Teen Driver Accident Attorney

Auto accidents are always devastating, especially when they involve young adults. That is why you should speak with a Montgomery County teen driver accident lawyer if your adolescent child was hurt in a wreck. A well-practiced lawyer could review your case and determine your eligibility for legal recourse. Call today and schedule your free consultation to get started.