Claiming Compensation for Car Accident Caused by a Teen Driver

Drivers in the age group of 16 to 19 are exposed to a higher risk of getting involved in a car accident compared to others.

Teenage drivers usually do not have the training and experience to drive safely. In fact, auto accidents are a leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. If you suffer an injury or property damage as a result of negligent driving by an inexperienced teenage driver, contact an experienced Chicago auto accident lawyer from Willens Law Offices to learn about your legal rights.

Illinois Driving Requirements for Teen Drivers

The state of Illinois follows a system called a graduated driving license (GDL) system, which aims to provide teenagers a chance to learn how to drive in low risk driving zones. There are three levels in the graduated driving license system. Illinois laws require that a teenage driver complete all three levels in order to be recognized as a safe driver.

1. Instruction permit – Drivers ages 15 or older can apply for an instruction permit, which allows a minor driver to drive with a licensed more-than-21-years-old driver in the car during limited hours. In order to obtain an instruction permit, the applicant needs to pass a written exam and complete 50 hours of practice driving.
2. Initial driver license – A minor driver who is at least 16 years old and has an instruction permit for more than 9 months with a clean driving record can apply for an initial driver license in Illinois. If approved, this license allows a minor driver alone with no one in the car, although there are some restrictions on driving with minors in the car and driving during the night. In order to get this license, the applicant must clear a behind-the-wheel test on the road.
3. Full driver license – A teenage driver who is at least 18 years old and has a clean driving history for the past 6 months can apply for a full driver license in the state. As the name suggests, this license allows the driver to drive without any restrictions on time and passengers in the car.

The GDL system has helped lower the risk of teen driver car accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, because teenage drivers are inexperienced, there is always some risk associated with teenage driving.

Auto Insurance for Teen Drivers

Covering a teenage driver under an auto insurance policy is a costly affair. However, under Illinois laws, it is mandatory for a teenage driver to have third-party liability insurance. The minimum requirement is coverage of $20,000/40,000 for personal injury to other drivers and another $15,000 for property damage. However, because minor drivers are more likely to be involved in serious accidents, it would be a good idea to opt for a higher coverage amount.

It is also important to note that parents of a negligent teenage driver could be held financially responsible for the damages caused by their children. For example, if a teenager gets involved in an accident while performing a task associated with a family business, the parents may be held liable.

Seeking Help From a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

If you suffer an injury from a car accident as a result of negligent driving by a minor driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Talk to an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer to know your legal rights. Call Willens Law Offices at (312) 957-4166.