Two Unlicensed Drivers Collide, Killing Three Teens

Most people do not realize how many unlicensed drivers are on New Jersey’s roads. In fact, you may have passed several unlicensed drivers without even realizing it during the past few days. It is only when an accident occurs that we suddenly become aware of this issue. When two unlicensed drivers collide, the problem is undeniable. Unfortunately, a crash of this nature recently occurred, killing three teens. But what happens if you get into a car crash with an uninsured driver? What if the negligent driver isn’t even an adult, and they took their parent’s car for a joy ride before the crash? Let’s find out:

Two Drivers Arrested After Fatal Crash

On April 27, 2023, it was reported that two drivers had been arrested in connection to a crash that claimed the lives of three teens. One of these drivers was a New Jersey man who was driving a GMC Yukon without a valid license. He was carrying four passengers at the time of the crash, all of whom suffered injuries. The other driver was a 16-year-old who was driving with only a learner’s permit.

He had three teens in his vehicle, all of whom perished in the crash. The teen driver is now facing charges of manslaughter, assault in the second degree, reckless endangerment, and assault in the third degree. The unlicensed driver from New Jersey also faced charges. This tragic incident highlights a major issue on our roads: The prevalence of unlicensed drivers.

How Do I Pursue Compensation After a Teen Driver Crash in New Jersey?

What can you do if you find yourself in this situation? In many cases, the issue is not as problematic as you might think. Even if teens drive without licenses and insurance – and without permission from their parents – you can still file a claim against the parents’ insurance plans. But this really only gets you so far, especially if your injuries are severe. You can also file a claim against your own PIP insurance, but even this additional source of funding might not be enough to cover your total damages. Things get even more difficult if you have lost a loved one in a crash involving teens.

Another option is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the parents. While you can only do this if your injuries are deemed to be “serious,” it can provide you with additional compensation. Perhaps most crucially, it can provide you with compensation for non-economic damages – such as pain & suffering, disfigurement, PTSD, emotional distress, and so on. The main issue here is that there is no guarantee the parents are capable of paying for your damages out of their own pocket – especially if you’re dealing with millions of dollars in damages.

What Happens if You Were Struck by an Uninsured Driver?

Let’s assume that you were struck by an adult without insurance. How does this work in New Jersey? An obvious option would be to file a claim with your own PIP insurance. But once again, this only gets you so far – and it might not cover the full extent of your damages. Suing the driver directly might also provide results – but you can only do this if your injuries are serious. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the driver will have the funds to cover your damages. If someone is neglecting to pay for car insurance, they probably do not have much money in their bank account.

It is important not to give up hope if you find yourself in this situation. The only way to accurately consider your legal options is to consult with your attorney. There may be other strategies that you might not have considered – such as suing a third party who indirectly contributed to the accident. For example, a third driver may have swerved in front of traffic, causing your accident without actually impacting any other vehicles.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in New Jersey?

If you have been searching for an experienced personal injury attorney in New Jersey, look no further than Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. We know that crashes with uninsured drivers can be especially tricky to approach. If you have lost a loved one in a crash, it may be difficult to even consider your legal options while dealing with grief, financial losses, and a slew of other issues. But it is important to understand that you are not alone in this struggle. By booking a consultation with a qualified auto accident attorney, you can approach this situation in a confident, efficient manner. The truth is that you may still be eligible for compensation even after a crash with an uninsured driver. Book your consultation today to learn more about your legal options.