Hit By a Student Driver?
Everyone has to learn at some point (though it seems that many drivers never truly do). It is just unfortunate that you had to be the unlucky person that a new driver crashed into. However, simply because you were the victim in a student driver collision does not mean that the other driver will automatically be held liable. It may seem like a pretty clear cut case, but you still need to work with an attorney to not only prove the other party’s negligence, but to ensure that you were awarded fairly for the full costs of your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Who is Liable?
Depending on the circumstances of the crash, the student driver, the driving school, or the driving instructor could be held liable. Not just one, but multiple parties may, in fact, be held liable.
- The Student Driver—While student drivers are inherently terrible behind the wheel, they are obligated to follow all of the traffic laws that everyone else does. This includes driving the appropriate speed, changing lanes with a turn signal and yielding right of way to other road users, checking their mirrors and looking over their shoulders to spot cyclists in the bike lane or right hand side of the lane before making a turn, etc. If the student driver fails to uphold their responsibilities, then they will be held liable.
- The Driving School—The driving school can be sued in addition to or instead of the student driver if it is discovered that the driving school had negligent hiring practices, did not properly maintain the vehicle that was being driven by the student driver, or for other various reasons.
- The Driving Instructor—The driving instructor can be held liable if they told the student to do something unsafe, were not paying attention to the road, were drunk or asleep, or were otherwise violating their duty to watch out for hazards and maintain a vigilant eye on the student driver and the road.
The Facts About Teen Drivers
Teenagers make dangerous drivers for a variety of reasons. They generally lack impulse control, make risky decisions, do not weigh the consequences of their actions, are prone to peer pressure, and are more likely to drink and drive than many older age groups. And, newly licensed teens are 50 percent more likely to die in traffic crashes than 17-19-year-olds, according to the CDC. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 make up just 6.3 percent of the driving population, yet are involved in 35.6 percent of fatal crashes according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Call Our Orlando Student Driver Collision Attorneys Today Lawyers For Help
Whether you were injured by a student driver under the supervision of an instructor or a parent, you need to call an attorney at your earliest availability. Our Orlando auto accident attorneys can help get you the compensation you need and deserve. Call the Payer Law today at 407-307-2979 to schedule a free consultation at once.
