Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but the situation becomes even more complicated when the at-fault driver holds a Youth Operator License. In New Hampshire, this license includes specific legal restrictions intended to minimize the increased accident risk that comes with young, inexperienced drivers. If a Youth Operator License holder causes an accident while violating one of these restrictions, their insurance company may deny coverage, leaving injured parties wondering how to recover damages.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a New Hamshire driver holding a Youth Operating License, consult with experienced personal injury lawyers to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out to the New Hampshire Personal Injury lawyers at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. to learn more as soon as possible. Call us today at 603-619-4225 or contact us online for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout the state, from Colebrook to Nashua.
Youth Operator License Restrictions in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Youth Operator Licenses are issued to drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 who have met the necessary requirements. Those drivers under 18 must adhere to the following restrictions:
- No driving between 1 am and 4 am.
- No driving with more than one passenger under 25 who is not an immediate family member unless accompanied by a licensed adult over 25.
- No driving in a vehicle with more passengers than seatbelts or safety restraints.
If you are under the age of 20 and commit a driving offense, you will have your license suspended or revoked:
- 20 days for a first offense
- 45 days for a second offense
- 90 days for a third or subsequent offense.
In addition, if you hold a Youth Operator License and get two or more speeding tickets during the first two years of having the license, your license will be suspended until you obtain an SR-22 certificate of insurance. This certificate proves that the licensed person has car insurance. You will have to carry this insurance policy for three years.
Insurance Denial of Coverage
New Hampshire is the only state that does not require drivers to carry car insurance. However, drivers must have “proof of financial responsibility,” which means they must be able to prove that they could pay for damages if they cause a car accident. To show proof of financial responsibility, drivers must buy auto insurance or deposit funds that equal minimum liability coverage with the state treasurer. Most New Hampshire drivers choose the insurance option.
Auto insurance policies typically include a clause requiring policyholders to adhere to the law and other specified terms. When a Youth Operator License holder violates their license restrictions and causes an accident, the insurance company may argue that the violation breaches their policy terms and refuses to cover the damages.
If the at-fault youth driver’s insurance denies coverage, the financial responsibility for the accident might fall on the driver or their parents. In New Hampshire, an at-fault driver is still legally responsible for damages, regardless of their insurance company’s denial. If the youth driver is under 18, New Hampshire law allows parents or guardians to be held financially responsible for car accidents caused by their minor child if they knew or should have known that their child was engaging in unsafe driving behaviors likely to cause an accident.
If the insurance denies coverage to the holder of a Youth Operator License, this can be devastating for an injured party. Car accident injuries can cause severe financial hardship thanks to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
How a New Hampshire Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a car accident by a driver holding a Youth Operator License and their insurance has denied the claim, you need to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The experienced New Hampshire attorneys of Tenn And Tenn can help you:
- Investigate the claim. We can review the reasons for the denial and gather significant evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Negotiate with insurers. We understand the tactic insurers use to deny claims and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf for fair compensation.
- Explore alternative options. We can help you identify whether there are any other sources of compensation available to you, such as through uninsured motorist coverage.
- Represent you in court. If negotiations fail, we can file a lawsuit and fight for compensation through the legal system.
If you’ve been in a car accident caused by a teen driver, call the New Hampshire personal injury lawyers of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. We have helped countless injured New Hampshire residents fight for the compensation they deserve. We want to help you, too. We represent clients throughout the state, including Berlin, Lebanon, Plymouth, and Portsmouth. Contact us today at 888-332-5855 or online for your free evaluation.