Driving is a crucial skill that requires time and practice to master. To help new drivers develop safe habits and reduce the risk of accidents, New Jersey implements a graduated driver licensing (GDL) program. Through this program, young drivers gain structured experience on the road, which helps them drive more safely and protect their communities.
If a car accident occurs, understanding your legal options is crucial. An experienced car crash attorney can guide you, protect your rights, and help you pursue compensation for damages. Legal support simplifies the process of addressing injuries or property damage, making it easier to recover after teen driving accidents in Bloomfield.
What is the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program?
First-time drivers can apply for a probationary driver’s license after completing six hours of driving under the supervision of a certified instructor and passing a written test. The probationary license allows drivers to operate a passenger vehicle for six months to one year while a licensed driver over 21 with at least three years of driving experience supervises them. During this period, most parents or guardians include drivers under 21 in their automobile insurance policies.
Once a driver reaches 17, they can apply for a full license by passing a driving test. Insurance companies may transfer licensed drivers to their own policies, although they remain on their parent’s or guardian’s policy. Because of New Jersey’s choice of no-fault insurance programs, identifying the policyholder is essential to filing a claim. A Bloomfield personal injury lawyer can help teens and other drivers injured in car accidents gather information to pursue compensation.
What To Do After a Car Accident
After addressing medical needs, drivers must report the accident to law enforcement if property damage or personal injuries exceed $500. The self-reporting system requires drivers to submit a crash form within ten days of an accident. While at the scene, drivers should exchange contact and insurance information.
Drivers should gather witness contact information and document the accident scene. They can also request pictures or videos from bystanders and obtain a copy of the police report. After leaving the accident, drivers and their passengers should seek medical attention. Injuries can appear days after an accident, so visiting a medical professional helps address potential health concerns immediately. If you need help recovering damages, an attorney can guide you through the claims process.
Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly after a teen driving wreck in Bloomfield, but these offers may not reflect the full value of your claim. Most people involved in a car accident contact their insurance carrier for damage recovery and accept settlement offers without reviewing them thoroughly. A skilled and knowledgeable lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement based on insurance coverage. An attorney can also help clients maximize their recovery.
What Compensation is Available?
New Jersey requires all drivers to carry insurance coverage. However, the choice of coverage determines whether compensation is available for pain and suffering. Some standard policies include a No Threshold clause, enabling recovery for non-economic damages. If policyholders choose a Lawsuit Threshold, they can only sue if injuries are severe, such as death, dismemberment, or permanent injury. A lawyer can explain your coverage and help you seek compensation under the right policy.
Those opting for basic policies have liability insurance, which applies when the policyholder is at fault. Basic policyholders may sue for non-economic damages if their case satisfies the same criteria as a personal injury lawsuit. A knowledgeable attorney can explain the legal options based on each party’s insurance and clarify your legal rights.
Comparative fault is another legal concept that affects compensation. Drivers may share responsibility for an accident with a teen driver in Bloomfield, and the percentage of fault reduces their compensation. For example, if a driver takes 15% of the blame for an accident, their compensation decreases by 15%. Anyone taking 51% or more of the blame cannot receive compensation. An attorney can help drivers understand how comparative fault may affect their compensation.
Consult a BloomfieldAttorney if Involved in a Teen Car Accident
Teen driving accidents in Bloomfield involve unique factors like licensing, insurance policies, and comparative fault. An attorney can guide you through these complexities. Contact Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, today for a free consultation and personalized guidance.
