Teen Driving Accidents in York

Learning to drive is an important milestone in a teen’s life, but it can also be a source of anxiety. Unfortunately, teens are more likely to be involved in car accidents than older, more experienced drivers. In York, these crashes can result in multiple parties suffering from serious injuries, emotional distress, and property damage.

At Clark & Howell, we are prepared to handle the unique challenges of teen driving accidents. Our seasoned car accident attorneys can guide you through the process and ensure your rights and future are protected.

The Risks of Teen Driving

Every driver on the road has a responsibility to abide by safety rules and protect others. For new drivers, Maine has specific safety standards in place through the state’s Graduated Driver’s License system, pursuant to 29-A M.R.S. § 1304. These rules limit nighttime driving, the number of passengers, and cell phone usage.

When a new driver violates any of these restrictions, the behavior is not only dangerous but unlawful. Because distracted driving remains a leading cause of teen driving accidents in York, any driver under 18 is prohibited from using handheld devices while operating a vehicle. Even a brief glance at a phone to send a text or search for directions could result in a serious or potentially fatal crash.

Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents

A lack of experience means that teens driving in York are more likely to make preventable mistakes. Some of the most common include:

Driving while fatigued
Reckless driving or speeding
Impaired driving or riding with intoxicated passengers
Distracted driving, including texting and social media use
Failing to appropriately adjust driving behavior in changing weather or poor visibility

When a teen violates state safety laws, they could be held liable under the doctrine of negligence per se. Under this law, the violation serves as automatic evidence of negligence, even if no citation was issued at the time. Poor judgment or a momentary mistake can make the driver, and possibly their parents, legally responsible.

Who Can Face Liability?

The laws governing responsibility for a crash could differ when the driver is a teen. Although they must uphold the same duty of care as any other driver, if they are negligent, parents or guardians who signed their license application may share financial responsibility.

Other responsible parties could include the vehicle owner, a negligent employer if the teen was driving for work, or a manufacturer if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash. Each party will likely have its own insurance policy, and many may attempt to settle quickly for an amount that does not reflect the full extent of the harm. For this reason, it is important to speak with an attorney in the days following a crash.

The state follows what is known as modified comparative negligence. Under this doctrine, a party found to be 50 percent or more responsible for a crash is not permitted to recover money damages. When a party bears some fault but less than 50 percent of the responsibility, they may still seek recovery, but their damages are reduced according to their share of fault.

Speak With an Attorney if You Were in an Accident With a Teen in York

After teen driving accidents in York, the medical bills, communications with insurance companies, and financial strain can be overwhelming. At Clark & Howell, we can negotiate directly with insurers so you can focus on your recovery. Our team could review the evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and pursue the compensation available under Maine law.