Accidents Involving Teens or Elderly Drivers

In Arizona, there are laws that apply specifically to teenage and elderly drivers. If you are a victim of an accident involving either, contact one of the best car accident lawyers in Phoenix to help navigate the nuances of these legal situations.

Drivers More Likely to Be in an Accident

Teenagers are new to driving and inexperienced with the challenges and distractions that can arise on the road. In fact, the US Centers for Disease Control say that automobile accidents are the leading cause of death in this age group.

Fatal car accidents involving drivers and road users over sixty-five years old have also increased 40% over the last decade, according to the National Safety Council. Their vision and hearing may not be as good as before, and their reaction times may be slower. Older drivers can also get confused easily, experience medication side effects, and have trouble controlling a car.

Phoenix and other parts of Arizona have seen an influx of older drivers who move to the state for its warm weather and superior quality of life. The increasing number of elderly drivers is a growing concern.

Teen Versus Elderly Driver Accident Considerations

Understanding the Laws

A personal injury lawyer will investigate an accident to determine if any laws were broken and guide you on the types of damages in a car accident claim (economic versus non-economic).

Arizona Laws That Apply to Teenage Drivers

The Grand Canyon State has a graduated driver licensing program. When a child is fifteen-and-a-half years old, they can apply for a Graduated Instruction Permit. For six months, a licensed driver who is twenty-one or older must always be sitting in the passenger seat. The permit holder needs to complete a specified number of hours of driving practice and pass a road test or a driver education course.

When the permit holder is sixteen, they can apply for a Graduated License that also carries driving restrictions. After six months or when the driver is eighteen, they can apply for a standard driver’s license.

Parents and guardians are legally responsible for their teenage children when they are behind the wheel.

Arizona Laws that Apply to Elderly Drivers

Seniors living in Arizona need to pass a vision test and renew their driver’s license every five years. 

In addition to police reports and witness statements, a personal injury attorney may want to review an elderly driver’s medical records to determine if their health played a role in an accident. They may also hire an expert to support a claim involving an elderly driver’s physical or cognitive decline.

What to Do When You’re in an Accident with a Teenager or Elderly Driver

Like any accident in Arizona, the amount of compensation you can receive is determined by the percentage fault assigned to each party involved.

To protect your rights and ensure you are adequately compensated for your injuries and losses when in an accident involving teens or elderly drivers, contact Gage Mathers. We have more than two decades of experience representing accident victims and have recovered more than $325 million for our clients.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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