Teenagers are allowed to obtain a driver’s license once they are over 16 years of age. There are also several restrictions like that for nighttime driving, using hands-free phones, the need to have a guardian or an adult with a driver’s license in the car, and many more. Having a license to drive brings a great deal of freedom to the teenagers; this combined with their inexperience means a high potential of an accident. Some of the common reasons for teen accidents include lack of experience, speeding, reckless driving, etc. 

Accidents happen to even the most expert driver however, there is a greater chance of a teenager crashing the vehicle than an adult. All teenagers require parental consent prior to driving the vehicle. The parents also might need to modify their insurance plans depending on who is driving the vehicle. Teens are high-risk drivers and pay more for insurance; plans are like bodily injury liability, property damage, etc. This article provides more information on teenage driving laws and how a personal injury attorney in California can bail you out in such a situation.

Teen Driving Laws

  • Teens over 15 and a half years old can begin with their driver’s license application however they must have the written consent of a parent or guardian.
  • They are not allowed to drive between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am.
  • They cannot take up a job as a driver.
  • Teen drivers caught driving with other teens can lose their license; especially when caught breaking the law or in a vehicle crash.
  • 16 & 17-year-olds are not allowed to drive pillion on a motorcycle while 18-year-olds are also not allowed to do so in the first 3 months.
  • Those with personal insurance coverage will need to upgrade to full coverage liability insurance.

Reasons for Teen Driving Accidents

  • Speeding: Speeding is the sole cause for a high percentage of accidents, besides the fact that it is a traffic violation that can result in a fine and demerit points. 
  • Reckless driving: This is a combination of driving fast and breaking multiple driving laws and endangering other drivers or pedestrians. 
  • Drunk driving: Driving after consumption of alcohol or drugs or even prescription medication often results in an accident.
  • Texting: Using the phone or texting while driving is also a major cause of accidents.
  • Other teens in a car: Driving with other teens in the car often results in reckless driving or other traffic violations resulting in an accident.

How Lawyers Can Help with Teenage Driver Accidents

It is a good practice to trust the criminal defense lawyers when your Teenager is in an accident. They have the expertise to get you out of a sticky situation and also obtain the compensation you deserve. Saw Law Group in California is one such law firm that specializes in this field. They are the best personal injury attorney in California with their partners having degrees from prestigious universities like UC Berkeley and UCLA.