Making Sure the Law Is On Your Side

If your teenage son or daughter will soon be earning the legal right to drive in your state, it is important that he or she is aware of the full magnitude of what driving truly represents. While driving is often seen just as a ticket to freedom for many teen drivers, it is also taking control of a very heavy machine that has the capacity to do immense damage to the people and objects around them. As a result, it is a good idea for both teen drivers and their parents to consider the following information before your minor child gets behind the wheel unescorted.

The Mistakes Of Teen Drivers Can Cost Their Parents A Lot Of Money

One common assumption is that parents have protected themselves against financial concerns by either teaching the child to drive or arranging for them to complete an acceptable driving class and making sure they are covered by car insurance. However, the truth is that if a minor is driving a car registered in your name, you are likely to have the ultimate responsibility for that vehicle.

That means that if your teenager is driving your car and causes an accident or damage to another vehicle or driver and for any reason the insurance company does not pay for part or all the damages, you will probably be getting that bill. However, a motor vehicle accident lawyer in your state might be able to make recommendations as to the most appropriate ways to minimize your own legal responsibility, such as transferring the car to your teenager's name or raising the amount of insurance on the vehicle in question prior to allowing your teen to drive alone for the first time.

The Mistakes Can't Always Be Fixed With Money

Unfortunately, many of the results of a teen driving accident cannot be fixed with a check from you or your insurance company. For instance, the Center for Disease Control, or CDC, reported that in 2013, half a dozen teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 died every day as the result of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. They also reported that the crash risk was especially high for inexperienced drivers.

Therefore, if your son or daughter causes a motor vehicle accident, the results can impact everyone involved on both a financial and personal level. Before allowing your young driver the freedom of the road, it is crucial for them to understand the very real consequences of what a moment of carelessness behind the wheel could cause. One example was seen with a teenager in Georgia who was recently charged with a felony and three misdemeanors for using the popular instant messaging service, Snapchat, while driving. Her actions were allegedly to blame for another driver being left with brain injuries after their car crash.

Go to site for more information.