Car accidents are a leading cause of death for teens in the US. In 2020, around 2,800 teens aged 13–19 were killed with roughly 227,000 injured in vehicle crashes. This is a huge concern, especially for families with teenagers just learning to drive.
Many factors contribute to this statistic, but the most common factors that put teen drivers at risk are due to driver inexperience, drowsy driving, impaired driving, and many more.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a teen driver accident, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and potential compensation for damages.
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1. Driver Inexperience
New drivers, especially teens, face more dangers on the road because they lack experience. When they first get their license, they're excited about driving alone. This excitement, paired with inexperience in handling any driving situations, can lead to accidents.
The first few months of holding a license are the most dangerous. Statistics clearly show that drivers aged 16-17 are approximately three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash for every mile driven compared to drivers aged 20 and above.
Moreover, young drivers might take risks because they feel overconfident. They might not spot dangers as quickly or know how to react to sudden road problems. Because remember, they are still in the learning phase, where many inevitable circumstances may occur.
2. Drowsy Driving
Many teens have busy lives. They study, work, hang out with friends, and join in sports or other activities. With a heavily packed schedule, it can leave them feeling very tired. In this state, teen drivers may lose focus, fall asleep at the wheel, or have trouble seeing and controlling their cars.
But being tired isn't the biggest problem for teen drivers - alcohol is. In 2022, about 31% of fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers ages 16-19 had positive blood alcohol concentrations. The problem affects both genders:
| - Among male drivers aged 15-20 involved in deadly crashes, 24% had been drinking. |
| - For female drivers of the same age involved in deadly crashes, about 17% had been drinking. |
Not only does drinking make these teen drivers sleepy, it also slows their reactions, leading to poor choices done on the road.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a teen car accident, it's important to understand your rights and options. A personal injury lawyer can help you earn the just compensation you deserve due to the negligence caused by teenagers on the road.
3. Impaired Driving
Apart from the common impairments, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or feeling drowsy due to tiredness, other factors can impair a teenager's ability to drive. This includes having a medical condition that affects driving abilities.
Here are some health issues that may impact teen drivers:
Visual impairment
About 600,000 individuals under 18 have vision difficulties in the United States, including roughly about 290,000 males and 310,000 females. Vision problems can make it challenging to read road signs, judge distances, or spot hazards quickly.
Epilepsy
As the most common childhood brain disorder in the US, epilepsy (depicted by repeated seizures) affects about 450,000 individuals under 17 years old. Seizures can occur unexpectedly, posing a severe risk if they happen while driving.
Cardiomyopathy
This heart condition is characterized by the deterioration of the heart muscle, leading to ineffective pumping. It can cause sudden cardiac death in children under the age of 18. Symptoms like dizziness or fainting may occur while driving.
These conditions don't necessarily prevent teens from driving but they do require careful management. Teens should limit their driving or use adaptive equipment that is helpful for their conditions.
4. Driving Distractions
Distracted driving means doing anything that takes your attention away from driving. This includes:
- Using your phone (texting, talking, etc.)
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to people in the car
- Fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system.
Texting while driving is a dangerous distraction, leading to a high risk of fatalities and injuries on US roads. In 2022, 3,308 people lost their lives in car accidents involving distracted drivers. All drivers, including teens, should prioritize focus on the road. No text, call, or other distraction is worth risking lives.
5. Unsafe Speed
Many teen drivers don't understand how dangerous speeding is. They often drive too close to other cars and don't leave enough time to react if something happens. This can lead to serious accidents.
In 2020, speeding was a big problem in deadly crashes involving young drivers. For drivers aged 15-20 in these crashes, 35% and 18% of male and female drivers respectively, were speeding.
In New York, drivers must follow the speed limit. If there's no speed limit sign, they should drive lower than 55 mph. Reckless driving is prohibited under the NY Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1212. Every person violating this provision will be considered guilty of a misdemeanor.
Are you a victim of a reckless teen driving accident? Your losses may be compensable. The Porter Law Group has been handling these cases for years with a proven track record of success. Let us review your options for potential compensation.
How a New York Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer can be crucial in seeking fair compensation if you or a family member has been affected by a teen car accident. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain & Suffering
- Permanent Disability
- Lost Wages
- Medical Expenses
After a car collision, insurance companies representing the at-fault driver quickly spring into action. They investigate the scene, inspect vehicles, and interview drivers. Their primary goal is to minimize their liability and reduce potential payouts.
At the Porter Law Group, we know that it's critical for us, as your lawyers, to investigate as soon as possible after a collision, or the insurance company will gain an unfair advantage. Let our expertise guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Need Help with Compensation After a Teen Car Accident in New York?
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Speak to a Teen Car Accident Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven personal injury lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances.
We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one is a personal injury victim, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
