As a parent, learning that your teenager has suffered injuries in a car accident is one of your worst nightmares.
If another driver’s negligence causes your child’s crash, your family has a right to seek compensation for any resulting damages.
How to Protect Your Teen
Make sure your young driver understands what to do following a collision. Instruct them to take the following steps:
- Pull over if possible and turn on the hazard lights
- Call law enforcement and wait for them to arrive
- Exchange contact information with the other driver
- Do not apologize for the wreck
- Take photos of the scene
- Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries are minor
What You Need To Know
If another driver’s actions lead to your child’s injuries, you can file a personal injury claim. However, you need to understand the applicable rules and laws:
- Statute of Limitations: In Arizona, you have a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit following the incident. Sometimes, a minor may have an extended opportunity to file.
- Comparative Negligence: Arizona laws allow you to recover compensation even if your teen was partially at fault for the accident.
- Auto Insurance Laws: Every driver in Arizona must carry a basic auto insurance policy. The state’s at-fault system means you can negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or try to prove fault in court.
How To Get the Compensation You Deserve
You have a right to recover damages in your teen’s crash. However, you must know how to navigate the process:
- Gather all medical bills and relevant information
- Understand how to deal with insurance companies
- Know the applicable deadlines and legal forms
- Collect admissible evidence and present it in court
Often, adults assume teen drivers are at fault for car accidents. It is essential to be proactive to protect your child’s rights.
