Teen drivers with limited experience can pose a greater risk of causing a car accident. In addition to a lack of time on the road, factors outside a teen driver’s control can also increase the chance of a crash.
If you were hurt in a teen driving accident in Olive Branch, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Please contact The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs to discuss the details of your case.
State Laws Impacting Teen Drivers
The state has implemented various measures to lower the risk of motor vehicle accidents. Under the state’s graduated driver licensing system, teen drivers must first hold a learner’s permit for 12 months.
While holding a learner’s permit, teens can only drive when accompanied by a licensed adult driver. Teen drivers are still subject to certain driving restrictions upon obtaining a license.
For example, new teen drivers cannot drive unsupervised from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Sunday through Saturday. This prohibition also applies from 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. These restrictions last for six months after receiving their license or until the teen turns 17.
Parents of teen drivers may also be liable if their child is found to be at fault for an accident. According to Mississippi Code Annotated § 63-1-23, parents of children younger than 17 must sign their child’s application for a learner’s permit or driver’s license.
Until the child reaches 17 years of age, Miss. Code Ann. § 63-1-25 provides that the parent signing the application is legally liable for any negligence or willful misconduct by the minor when driving. This also means the parent is jointly and severally liable for any injuries or property damage resulting from a car accident.
Parental liability ends when the child turns 17 years old. If insurance proceeds are not adequate to compensate an accident victim, an injured person can seek to hold an Olive Branch teen driver’s parents financially responsible for the wreck.
Common Negligent Actions By Teen Drivers
Various factors can increase the risk of an accident by an Olive Branch teen driver. Some of these factors are outside of a driver’s control, such as:
- Adverse weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
- Poor visibility or lighting
However, certain types of negligent driver behaviors are common among inexperienced teen drivers. Some examples include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Fatigued driving
- Failure to wear safety belts
Distracted driving, caused by using cell phones or electronic devices, is a particularly serious risk for new teen drivers. Miss. Code Ann. § 63-33-1 specifically prohibits reading, writing, or sending text messages or electronic communications and making posts to social media while driving.
When Teen Driving Accidents Lead to Fatalities
Since teen drivers are more prone to car accidents, the likelihood of a fatal crash also rises. If a teen driving crash in Olive Branch causes fatalities, an injured victim’s family can still pursue compensation through the state’s wrongful death statute.
Miss. Code Ann. § 11-7-13 allows the family of the deceased to file a lawsuit as though the accident victim would have lived. This action can be filed by the deceased’s:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Executor of estate
Our compassionate legal team can help surviving family members pursue economic damages, such as funeral expenses or medical costs, as well as non-economic damages for immeasurable losses like pain and suffering.
Speak with an Attorney About Teen Driving Crashes in Olive Branch
You should speak with a lawyer as soon as reasonably possible if you or a family member were involved in a teen driving accident in Olive Branch. Your initial consultation with The Law Office of David E. Gordon & Elissa M. Coombs is free and no obligation. Call today to speak with a board-certified personal injury lawyer about your legal rights and options.
