Teen Driving Accidents in Chicago

Teen drivers have a greater risk of involvement in an accident. Not only that, but when they do end up involved in an accident, they can cause more severe injuries because they do not know how to react. After teen driving accidents in Chicago, working with a car accident lawyer is essential to protecting the victim’s right to compensation and maximizing benefits.

The Challenges Faced by Teen Drivers

Teen drivers have less experience than their older counterparts. They often suffer from higher levels of distraction, and they may not have developed steady enough nerves to respond safely when circumstances change on the road. They may also have a greater risk of driving recklessly, particularly when they have peers in the vehicle. In Illinois, teens should only have one individual under the age of 20 with them in the vehicle until they have had their license for at least 12 months, or until they turn 18. However, even a single passenger can increase distraction and raise the risk of dangerous behavior on the roads. Furthermore, during Chicago’s windy seasons or heavy snow and ice in winter, teen drivers can struggle to react appropriately to the hazards they face on the road. As a result, teen driving accidents in Chicago occur all too frequently.

Seeking Compensation After an Accident with a Teen Driver in Chicago

Most teen drivers have insurance coverage under their parents’ policies. That policy will generally cover the damages suffered by another driver in an accident caused by the teen. This includes compensation for:

  • Any medical treatment costs related to the accident, from emergency medical transportation and treatment in the emergency room to long-term medical needs
  • Anticipated future medical treatment costs related to the accident
  • Immediate wage losses because the injured party cannot go back to work after the accident
  • Lost earning potential if the injured party permanently loses their ability to work in their previous field after the accident
  • Pain and suffering

Working with a lawyer can help victims of teen driving accidents in Chicago lay out the full extent of the damages they suffered because of the teen driver’s negligent actions, and include them as part of their injury claim.

When to Contact a Lawyer After a Teen Driving Accident

In Illinois, a personal injury claim, including a teen driving accident claim, must be filed or settled out of court within two years of the date of the accident. There are exceptions to the statute of limitations, including injuries to a minor. However, ideally, teen driving accident victims in Chicago should reach out to a lawyer as soon after the accident as possible. Getting in touch with a lawyer early makes it easier for injured individuals to navigate the process of getting the compensation they need, including help negotiating with the insurance company or collecting evidence related to the accident.

Contact a Lawyer Following Teen Driving Accidents in Chicago

When you suffer injuries due to the negligence of a teen driver, you need a lawyer on your side who can help you pursue compensation for the damages you’ve sustained. At McCready Law, we don’t just say we get results, we prove it! Contact us today to discuss your rights following teen driving accidents in Chicago and how you can recover compensation for your damages and losses.