Many Lafayette teenagers dream of earning their driver’s license and the freedom that comes with it. However, that freedom comes with responsibilities, and teenagers account for a disproportionate share of Lafayette car accidents. Whether a teen driver hit you or your child collided with another car, the aftermath is scary, and you likely have concerns about paying your bills in the coming months.
Attorney Omar Thibeaux and the team at The Thibeaux Firm have handled numerous teen-driving accidents and secured significant compensation for injured drivers. As Lafayette teen driving accident attorneys, we understand the unique elements of these cases and how to build compelling arguments.
We’re here to guide you and protect your rights after this traumatic incident. Call now or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose Attorney Omar Thibeaux for a Lafayette Teen Driver Accident Case
You need an experienced, determined Lafayette personal injury attorney if you want to recover maximum compensation after a Lafayette teen driver accident. Attorney Omar Thibeaux has over 20 years of experience as a practicing lawyer and has won millions of dollars for his clients.
Moreover, you probably know Attorney Thibeaux as “The 25 Percent Attorney,” because we charge a flat 25 percent fee for personal injury cases. Other firms might keep 30 percent or more of whatever compensation you win, but when you work with our firm, you’ll keep more of the money you need.
Countless Lafayette residents have trusted Attorney Thibeaux to represent them, and they rave about our results. Here’s what one client said about their experience with us:
“I had gotten in an accident. I was at the red light on Louisiana Avenue turning, and there was a truck that had sideswiped me while I was turning into the turning lane. I hired The Thibeaux Firm because I needed a lawyer and it’s a Black business, so why not support Black law firms? The settlement amount of my case was $40,000. I was beyond happy with my settlement. I would definitely recommend The Thibeaux Firm to everyone who gets in an accident, or anyone who needs a lawyer in general. The Thibeaux Firm is your firm to go to.” — Brooke H.
If you choose us, we’ll simplify the legal process and help you recover maximum compensation by doing the following:
- Calculating Your Claim’s Value – The effects of teen driving accidents go beyond vehicle repair costs and medical expenses. You might miss weeks or months of work, and the emotional toll can be severe. We’ll use your medical records, expert testimony, repair receipts, and other evidence to illustrate the full extent of the harm you’ve suffered and maximize your claim’s value.
- Filing Your Claim Correctly and on Time – In most circumstances, you must file a Lafayette car accident lawsuit within two years of the crash. Our Lafayette car accident lawyers will handle all the insurance paperwork and file your claim correctly to minimize any bureaucratic delays. If a trial is necessary, we’ll submit the required court forms on time to preserve your legal rights.
- Dealing with the Insurance Companies – The insurers have one goal in these cases: To minimize your compensation so they can maximize their profits. They’ll likely try to blame you for the collision or downplay your losses to reduce your claim’s value. We push back against these tactics and handle all communication with the insurance adjusters.
- Taking Your Case to Trial – Most Lafayette car accident cases end in negotiated settlements, but a trial is sometimes necessary if an insurer won’t negotiate in good faith. We handle all motions and procedures before the trial begins, and we’ll present a strong case to the judge or jury.
Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents in Lafayette
Typical causes of teen driving accidents in Lafayette include the following:
- Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Overly aggressive maneuvers
- Following too closely
Understanding the Rights of Teen Drivers After a Car Accident
As with all other drivers, there are rights of teen drivers. Louisiana law allows injured teens to seek compensation for their medical bills, pain, and other losses resulting from a collision.
However, because teens are often minors, a parent or legal guardian usually brings the claim on their behalf. In cases involving minors, the two-year countdown to file a lawsuit begins on the teen’s 18th birthday, rather than the crash date. Regardless, insurance companies must still treat the claim seriously and follow the same rules they follow for adult drivers.
The degree of fault among all parties involved in a crash also matters in teen driving accident claims. Louisiana recently changed its negligence laws, and the state now uses a modified comparative negligence system to determine compensation in cases where a teen is partly responsible for a crash.
Basically, if a teenage driver’s percentage of fault for a collision is equal to or greater than 51 percent, they cannot recover compensation from the other driver. If the teen’s percentage of fault is less than 51 percent, they can pursue compensation.
However, any compensation they win is reduced by their percentage of fault. This rule allows teens to seek compensation even if they are partly at fault in a crash.
Liability and Insurance Issues in Teen Driver Accident Claims
Many states use a legal theory called the “family purpose doctrine” to determine in teen driving accident cases. This theory says that parents are automatically liable for a child’s actions if the child was using the car for the family’s benefit.
Louisiana law does not include the family purpose doctrine. However, parents can be liable for their child’s actions under other legal theories. For example, a claim may rely on the notion of “negligent entrustment” when a parent lets a teen drive despite clear warning signs, such as unsafe driving habits or a known lack of skill.
Vicarious liability (the theory that someone is liable for the actions of another person under their direction or supervision) may come into play if a teen was acting as a parent’s agent or running a task for the parent at the time of the crash.
Finally, insurance coverage also matters in these cases, since a parent’s policy often covers a teen driver. This coverage can significantly affect the amount of compensation someone can recover after a collision with a teenager.
Contact a Lafayette Teen Driving Accident Attorney for Help
Don’t wait to protect yourself and get the advice you need after a Lafayette teen driver crash. Call The Thibeaux Firm now or complete our contact form for a free, fully confidential case evaluation with “The 25 Percent Attorney.”