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Everyone is a new driver at some point. Even new drivers have a responsibility to follow the law and keep everyone else safe on the roads they share. Car accidents caused by inexperienced drivers happen frequently, but the same local laws apply when it comes to seeking fair compensation for your losses.
In Kentucky, a no-fault state, you can file a claim with your insurance company’s personal injury protection (PIP) to cover your losses or, in cases of severe loss, seek a claim against the at-fault driver. Speak with a trusted car wreck lawyer from Gary C. Johnson Attorneys At Law, P.S.C., today at (859) 268-4300.
Many drivers have limited experience behind the wheel, which can put you at risk. The most common age group to cause accidents is those between the ages of 16 and 19, who are just getting their licenses and may not have years of experience behind them, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, inexperienced commercial truck drivers are often at fault as well. In most cases, semi-truck drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license. To obtain it, they must have significant training and experience. Yet even then, accidents can happen when these new drivers hit the road and encounter real-world conditions.
Car Accidents Caused By Inexperienced Drivers
In some situations, the at-fault driver is the only party at fault. They made a mistake, caused an accident, and you suffered losses. Other times, a third party is responsible, at least in part, for the losses you incurred. Consider these two scenarios to get a better idea of what you can expect:
Parents and vehicle owners may be held accountable for the actions of minors who cause an accident. Specifically, under KRS 186.590, negligence by a licensed driver under the age of 18 is imputed to the person who signed their application. That person is then jointly and severally liable along with the minor for any damages they caused.
Notably, if the owner of a car allows a minor to operate the vehicle, knowing there is a risk, the owner could be held liable for injuries caused to others.
Commercial truck companies and employers can share some fault when their truck drivers cause accidents that injure others. For example, if a trucking company assigns a complicated or challenging route to a driver without the necessary experience, or fails to verify the driver’s experience with the type of vehicle they are using, the trucking company could be held liable for losses.
It can be challenging for the victim of an accident to prove the driver’s inexperience contributed to or caused the accident. An experienced attorney will gather additional evidence to support your claim. Inexperienced drivers may engage in activities such as:
If you spot these concerns, alert your attorney to that information. With the guidance of a Lexington injury lawyer you can prove the other party acted in a reckless manner, causing your accident. In serious cases, proving fault like this is critical to recovering fair compensation for your losses.
Inexperience plays a role in many accidents. If it causes you to suffer serious injuries, reach out to a Lexington car accident attorney from Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. for a free consultation.