Holding Teen Drivers Accountable For Accidents And Injuries They Cause

As a teenager, it is extremely exciting to finally get your driver’s license. Though extensive driver’s training is required before a teen can get behind the wheel, they still unfortunately may make bad decisions once they are able to drive.

After an accident caused by a teen driver, it is important that all injuries be evaluated and treated by a medical professional and that you talk to an experienced attorney about your rights. For more than three decades, we at the Law Offices of James L. O'Rourke understand how difficult it can be to recover from an accident.

We confidently handle all types of injuries that stem from a car accident resulting from the negligence of a teen driver, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and more. We also handle wrongful death cases for loved ones who have lost someone in a fatal accident.

Accidents Caused By Teen Drivers

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 2,364 teens ages 16-19 in the United States were killed in a motor vehicle accident in 2017. That is a very high number, and does not account for the accidents that teen drivers caused that resulted in injuries to individuals outside of those age groups.

Many accidents result from the inexperience of teen drivers. They are unable to make decisions as quickly as adults, which often result in crashes. Teens also have been determined to underestimate the severity of a dangerous situation, and in turn do not alter their operation of the vehicle to suit a more safe navigation of the situation.

Issues Commonly Had By Teenage Drivers

The CDC also has compiled a list of factors that are found to frequently contribute to or be the cause of teen driver accidents, including:

• Speeding (often at extremely high rates of speed, rendering the vehicle difficult to control)
• Reckless driving (including racing on the road, weaving in and out of lanes of traffic, and excessive speeding)
• Distracted driving (either through the illegal use of a cellphone while driving
• Use of seat belts (as younger drivers are less likely to buckle their seat belts regularly)
• Use of alcohol (though underage, teen drivers often consume alcohol and get behind the wheel)
• Nighttime and weekend driving (as more teen drivers are on the road at this time)

Talk To A Lawyer After Your Accident

Our firm is here to help after you or a loved one has been injured by a teen driver. Contact our office online or call 800-658-1245. Our team is ready to help 24/7. We can visit an injured client in the hospital or at home, and we offer evening or weekend appointments. Spanish translation services are available upon request.