What if I Was Injured by a Teen Driver?
Car accidents happen daily throughout Marion, and the aftermath can impact a survivor’s life forever. When a person gets into a car crash where a minor driver was at fault, it can be difficult to understand how to pursue a legal case against them. If you or someone you care about was injured by the actions of a teenage driver in South Carolina, contact a Marion car accident lawyer to represent you and explain what options are available in your unique case.
South Carolina Laws Surrounding Negligent Teenage Drivers
In 2024, 23% of Marion was under the age of 18 years old. When a driver gets their license, they are typically treated equally during car accidents, even when the negligent party is a teenager.
South Carolina issues licenses based on the expectation that the teenage driver will operate their vehicle with caution and safety. If they do not, they may have a legal case filed against them, the same as adult drivers. After any accident, it’s vital to:
- Take extensive photographs of the car license plate numbers, position of the vehicles, your visible injuries, property damage caused by the incident, and damage to your own vehicle and personal items.
- Collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver. You may not realize they are a teenager at the time of the incident, but the steps you should take after the crash remain the same as any other type of incident.
- Avoid apologizing or admitting fault to anyone. If you do, it may be used against you later on in your case and could lead to a lower recovery.
Marion’s Comparative Negligence System During Car Accident Cases
During your case, the courts will use a comparative negligence system to determine fault. Using the evidence provided by both parties, they’ll assign the drivers a percentage of fault. You can only pursue financial recovery if you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident. Any compensation awarded to you is reduced by your personal percentage of fault. For instance:
- If you were speeding at the time of the accident, you may be assigned 20% at fault.
- If the teenage driver who hit your vehicle was texting while driving, they may be assigned 80% at fault.
- If you’re awarded $100,000, it would be reduced by 20%, and you would only recover $80,000.
Don’t Hesitate: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Marion to Represent You
No two car accidents are the same, meaning that the cases that follow carry their own set of complex laws. If you or someone you love has been injured by a teen driver, reach out to the Marion car accident attorneys at Kinon Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. We offer fiercely loyal legal advocacy to all new clients, putting their needs at the forefront when drafting custom legal strategies. Reach out to us today by calling 843-488-9191 or by contacting us online. We represent clients living throughout Myrtle Beach, Conway, and surrounding South Carolina towns.
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Car Accidents Catastrophic Injuries Personal Injury Slip and Fall Accidents Truck Accidents Wrongful DeathRecent Posts
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