Teen Driver Accidents

Motor Vehicle Collision Attorneys Helping Miami Residents

Car accidents are more likely to involve a teen driver than someone in any other age group. The inexperience and carelessness of a very young person behind the wheel can be a dangerous combination and lead to devastating injuries. The motor vehicle collision lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon have experience representing victims throughout Miami and the surrounding area who have been hurt by an irresponsible driver. With clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, we are dedicated to helping you seek proper compensation from those responsible for your injuries.

Dangers Posed by Teen Drivers in Florida

The majority of teen driver accidents are the result of critical errors, including driving too fast for conditions or being distracted by something in the vehicle or outside it. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2012, teen drivers were involved in over 34,000 crashes in the state. In addition, teenagers aged 16 and 17 are the most at risk of being in a fatal collision. Sixteen-year-old drivers have a crash rate of 15 times that of drivers who have more years of driving experience.

Florida follows a graduated licensing system in order to counteract the problems that accompany teens’ inexperience on the road. This system requires young drivers to meet certain requirements before entering the next stage of the licensing process. The first stage is a Learner’s License, which is required for all new drivers, whereby they are not permitted to drive alone. Those under 18 years old must have a Learner’s License for one year before they may continue to the next stage. Sixteen-year-olds and 17-year-olds are then able to take the test to receive an Operator’s License, whereby the driver is not allowed to drive alone between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., subject to certain exceptions. A Full License then may be issued to those 18 years and older.

File a Negligence Claim to Pursue Damages

Regardless of age, drivers who cause an accident can be held liable for their careless actions. To show that a certain individual was negligent, a victim must establish that:

  • He or she was owed a duty of care;
  • That duty was breached by the defendant, usually another driver;
  • The breach caused the injuries; and
  • Damages resulted.

All drivers owe a duty to other motorists to act as a reasonable and prudent person would behave in similar circumstances. Teen drivers may breach this duty, for example, by speeding or failing to assess road dangers properly. Additionally, a teen driver could be found negligent per se, which means as a matter of law. In these instances, an individual has violated a statute that is intended to protect a certain group of people from a certain type of harm. Drunk driving laws are designed to protect other motorists on the road. If an underage driver causes an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, an injured person could file a claim based on the negligence per se. However, he or she still would need to show the causation and damages elements, since this rule substitutes only for the elements of duty and breach.

An injured person who has shown negligence or negligence per se may receive damages for past and future medical costs, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. Collisions involving teen drivers can often be serious, and they may even lead to a fatality. Where a death occurs, family members of the deceased person can file a wrongful death claim seeking damages for funeral or burial expenses.

Discuss Your Car Accident Claim with a Miami Lawyer

If you have been injured in a collision near Miami involving a teen driver, the car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can help you with your case. We assist victims throughout Florida with negligence claims, seeking to make sure that those responsible are held liable. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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"Thank you to Robert Dixon & Kristopher Torres for an amazing experience handling with my first injury lawsuit. Very much hassle-free and down to earth experience working with this law firm. I would definitely use them again! My case was settled and I am satisfied with the results! Glad to have them fighting on my behalf." Diamond Epps
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"This firm goes out of there way to make sure all of your needs are met. They are wonderful and within a year, my settlement was reached. In addition, I never waited more than a couple hours for someone to get back with me. I highly suggest this firm." Melissa Ellis
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"I had the pleasure of working with attorney Torres when I was involved in a car accident last year. He was always checking up on me, always making sure that I was getting the proper treatment that I needed. Whenever I called the office everyone was so nice and willing to help me. I'm glad he was my attorney and thank you for such a wonderful service from you and your firm." Natalie J.
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"I'd like to say that the Law Office of Robert Dixon has been great to work with since the inception of my case back in 2016. Robert and team made me feel rest assured that patience would constitute a much larger settlement and that truly was the case. ... I highly recommend this law firm for anyone needing help from a very compassionate team of hard workers. Thanks again everyone for this positive experience as this was my first time ever dealing with the courts or a law firm...." Paul Carlson
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