Many states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, restrict the number of passengers that teen drivers may have in the car. The laws are written this way because studies suggest that passengers may be a distraction and that peer pressure from passengers could lead young drivers to take unnecessary and unsafe risks. However, recent research also suggests that teen drivers who are alone in the car may be more likely to use a cell phone while driving and be distracted by electronic gadgets.

What Should You Do as a Parent?

As a parent, this news can be troubling and confusing. However, you are not helpless in the face of this conflicting information. You can take action. Specifically, it is important to:

  • Encourage your child to comply with Virginia law and not to have more passengers in the car than are allowed by law. 
  • Talk to your child about the risks of driving alone and the risks of driving with passengers.
  • Trust your instinct, and set your own family rules to keep your child safe.

Additionally, it is important to teach your child what to do if she is injured in an accident.

Call a Gainesville Car Accident Attorney if Your Child’s Been Hurt

If your child has been hurt by another driver, it is important to get accurate information about your child’s legal rights and possible recovery. For more information about your child’s rights, please contact an experienced Gainesville car accident lawyer today via this website or by calling 540-341-0007 or 888-907-2631 for a free consultation. 

Andrew Thomas
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Civil litigation attorney in Virginia and is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
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Working with Andrew and his team has been--without exception--one of the most pleasant, productive, and professional experiences of my adult life. I was seriously injured in an accident in July, 2018, in Virginia. I was driving a company vehicle that was registered in Maryland, for a company that was based in Wisconsin. And I live in New Jersey, where my personal vehicles are insured. The several jurisdictions involved presented a very unique case that demanded an experienced and nuanced strategy. I found Andrew Thomas (of Dulaney, Lauer, & Thomas) through some online research. And it is noteworthy that Andrew has worked the other side of the aisle--he used to work with insurance companies. Andrew took on my case with the assurance that he would work it with no less energy than he does each of his cases. At each turn, and with each question I had, Andrew and Paralegal Misty kept me informed, returned my calls, provided detailed explanations, and kept me feeling like I was in the loop and there was an eventual end to our journey. Nearly five years after the accident, we settled out of court for a significant sum in recognition of my personal injuries. The settlement was much more than I had expected. And without Andrew & Misty, I am sure the award would have been much less. If you are looking for professionalism, knowledge, dedication, answerability, responsiveness, integrity, and human-level communication from a personal injury attorney--look no further. You have found him. Thank you, Andrew and Misty. Gary Daley
I'm grateful for all your work . . . Roger V. (Remington, VA)
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