Teenage drivers represent a high-risk age group for car accidents in Las Vegas.
Without the experience of older drivers and with added risks such as frequent cell phone use, teen drivers in Clark County are more likely than most other age groups to cause automobile collisions.
If you’ve suffered losses in an accident caused by a teen driver or if your teenager was involved in a crash, it is important to understand your legal rights.
Contact the Las Vegas car accident attorneys at Edward Bernstein & Associates for an in-depth review of your teen driver car accident case.
Initial consultations are always free.
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Why Choose Ed Bernstein for Las Vegas Teen Driver Accidents
- We have more than 40 years of experience and proven success in Nevada teen driver accident cases.
- We have experience helping others harmed by teen drivers, as well as the families of injured and killed teenage drivers in Nevada.
- We offer compassionate legal support during young driver tragedies. Our clients can count on us for tailored legal services and individualized attention.
- We are committed to maximizing recovery despite insurance limitations. We don’t charge a fee unless we win the case.
Understanding Teen Driver Risks and Causes in Nevada
According to data collected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teenage drivers accounted for 3,048 of the people who died in car accidents in 2023, or 7 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in the United States.
Leading Factors in Las Vegas Teen Driver Accidents
Teen drivers are involved frequently in serious and fatal accidents in Las Vegas for many reasons associated with their youth. The most common include:
- Inexperience and poor judgment
- Driving with friends and peer pressure
- Speeding and reckless behaviors
- Distracted driving and cell phone use
- Driving while intoxicated
- Irresponsible driving on major holidays
- Not wearing seat belts
Drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 are less likely to account for risks such as bad weather, nighttime conditions and distractions when driving due to a lack of experience. This can result in serious car accidents.
Nevada Laws Governing Teen Drivers and Liability
Automobile accidents involving teen drivers have unique elements compared to typical motor vehicle crash cases in Nevada. Knowing what makes your teen driver accident case unique can allow you to prepare for the legal process ahead.
Nevada’s Teen Driver Restrictions and Penalties
Like most states, Nevada uses a graduated driver’s license program for individuals ages 14 through 17. These drivers must first apply for an instruction permit and complete the required education and behind-the-wheel training before graduating to a standard driver’s license.
Teens with instruction permits are subject to driving restrictions, such as not traveling with passengers under the age of 18 and having a nighttime curfew. The penalties for violating the rules of an instruction permit can include fines and license suspension.
Parental Liability for Teen Driver Accidents in Nevada
When a teen driver causes a car accident in Nevada, his or her parents could face vicarious liability. This means the parents may be held responsible for paying for the victim’s losses, typically through their automobile insurance.
Nevada Revised Statutes § 483.300 states that the signing by a parent of a driver’s license application transfers liability for an accident caused by negligence or willful misconduct to the parents of the minor.
Parents can also be held responsible for willful misconduct committed by the child, such as drunk driving, or their own negligent entrustment of a motor vehicle to an inexperienced or unfit teen.
Proving Negligence in Las Vegas Teen Driver Accident Cases
Winning a car accident case in Nevada and recovering financial compensation for medical bills and other losses requires evidence.
Most cases rely on proof of negligence, or a lack of proper care, to establish fault.
Cases involving teen drivers in Las Vegas can be more difficult to navigate, as you must consider the possible negligence of the parents in addition to that of the young driver.
Gathering Critical Evidence in Teen Driver Cases
The evidence you gather to support your auto accident claim can make all the difference. Important evidence to collect may include:
- A police accident report and any civil or criminal charges brought against the teen
- The teen’s cell phone records and social media activity at the time of the crash
- Crash scene photographs and any video footage recorded of the accident
- Statements from vehicle passengers or eyewitnesses
- Testimony from hired experts, such as medical experts or crash reconstruction experts
An experienced car accident attorney in Las Vegas can go to work on collecting and preserving key evidence to prove your case.
This can include evidence of parental negligence, if applicable.
Compensation Available for Teen Driver Accident Victims
Holding a teen driver or his or her parents liable for an automobile accident could result in a payout from one or multiple insurance policies.
Achieving a maximum settlement is something that an experienced attorney at Edward Bernstein & Associates can do for you.
You may be eligible for compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses and long-term care costs
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering in teen driver accident cases
- Property damage and vehicle replacement
- Punitive damages for egregious teen driver behavior
It is vital to seek justice by filing a claim or lawsuit if you get involved in a teen driver crash.
A fair and full settlement or judgment award can give you and your family the financial relief you need to rebuild and move forward.
A Lawyer Can Overcome Unique Legal Challenges in Teen Driver Accident Claims
Collisions in Las Vegas that involve young drivers come with unique legal challenges and potential problems.
A car accident attorney can help you prepare for and overcome these issues with a tailored legal strategy.
Your lawyer can help you navigate a case involving limited insurance coverage for young drivers, for example, by negotiating with insurance companies and seeking secondary sources of coverage, such as filing a claim against the parents or guardians of the teenage driver.
Getting Help After a Las Vegas Teen Driver Accident
Whether you were involved in a car accident caused by a teenage driver in Las Vegas or your teenager was hurt in a car crash, you can benefit from talking to the attorneys at Edward Bernstein & Associates.
Our personal injury lawyers will work hard to protect you as our client during insurance claim negotiations or a Clark County car accident lawsuit.
Don’t wait to contact us. Time is of the essence; in Nevada, you typically have no more than two years to file a car accident injury lawsuit.
Contact us today for a free consultation with Ed Bernstein Injury Lawyers.
We will carefully review your case, answer your individual questions and provide personalized legal advice about your next steps. Call (702) 240-0000.