If you suffered life-changing injuries because a teenage motorist hit your car, you might have been hospitalized and then had to deal with vehicle repairs and calls from insurance adjusters. Our legal team has considerable experience with claims involving teen driving accidents in Knoxville. An experienced car accident attorney from our firm could review the facts of your case, identify who may be responsible for the crash, and guide you through the claims process so you can focus on recuperating.
We are highly familiar with local courts and insurance practices and could help you understand the legal options available to you under state law. We could offer you clear guidance, strive to protect your rights, and help you make sound choices about a settlement or litigation.
Accident claims involving teenage drivers raise questions that other types of collision cases do not. Liability in a teen driving accident can depend on who owns the car, what type of license the teenager has, and whether they obeyed laws pertaining to their age group. Adolescent motorists are subject to curfews and passenger limits under the state’s Graduated Driver License Program. The Hands-Free Law, which is Tennessee Code Ann. § 55-8-199, prohibits all cell phone use for drivers under 18. Violation of these regulations can be a factor in determining fault. The state applies a modified comparative fault rule, which means that a person who is 50 percent or more at fault cannot recover compensation.
Because witnesses’ memories can fade quickly and evidence can be lost, early investigation can be critical. With some exceptions, the statute of limitations gives you only one year from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim.
Our Knoxville legal team could investigate whether the adolescent motorist who crashed into your car had permission to drive, whether their parents supervised them properly, and what the data from their vehicle or phone shows. We could work with specialists to analyze whether the teenager was speeding or driving while distracted or had problems with their brakes. Car insurance limits are often too low to cover serious injuries, so we may explore household coverage or uninsured motorist options tied to family policies.
Good documentation could make a significant difference in your case. You should keep all your records and receipts from your crash-related medical care in one place. An attorney from our Knoxville office could determine whether your collision case involves negligent entrustment or negligent supervision on the part of the teenage driver’s parents. You could strengthen your claim by:
Thorough documentation could improve negotiations with insurers and support your case if litigation becomes necessary. We could have accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals prepare additional documents explaining how the crash happened and describing its long-term impact on you.
Seeking damages after teen driving accidents in Knoxville can be complicated. If you sustained injuries in this type of crash, our team at Dennis Injury Law could explain how state statutes apply to your situation and help you protect your claim.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team could clarify your legal options, such as discussions with insurers or potential court filings. We could offer you skilled legal guidance and help you recover the compensation you deserve.