Dallas Car Accidents Caused by Teen Drivers

Teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than drivers age 20 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During a typical day, seven teens between the ages of 16 and 19 years old die in traffic crashes in the U.S.

It is a sad fact that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. The CDC reports that 2,650 16 to 19 year olds were killed and 292,000 were treated in emergency rooms for injuries sustained in traffic crashes in a single recent year.

Not only are teen drivers at risk for accidents, but their passengers and occupants of other vehicles on the road are also at risk.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a teenage driver, your best course of action is to consult with an experienced Dallas car accident lawyer.

At Kraft & Associates, P.C., we have successfully represented clients in car accident cases. We’re an established and professional law firm with friendly lawyers and staff who are easy to talk to. Please call us at (214) 999-9999 or contact us online now for a free claim review.

Causes of Teen Driving Accidents

There a many common causes of car accidents for drivers of all ages, including young drivers. However, certain factors have been found to contribute more often to teen driving accidents, according to the CDC. These include:

• Driver inexperience. Crash risk is the highest for teens during the first six months after they get their license.
• Male teen drivers. The death rate in traffic collisions for males 16 to 19 years of age is nearly twice that of females of the same age.
• Teen passengers. The crash risk for teen drivers increases with the presence of teenage passengers. The more young passengers in the vehicle, the greater the risk.
• Driving at night. Crashes are more common at night for all age groups, but particularly for teen drivers.
• Distracted driving. Teen drivers are not only distracted by cells phones, but also by talking to passengers, eating, drinking, grooming and any number of activities that take their attention away from safely operating the motor vehicle.
• Alcohol-impaired driving. Although teenagers are not legally permitted to drink alcohol, some do. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that teens have a much higher risk of death in an alcohol-related traffic crash than the overall population.

Texas Graduated Driver License Program

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has implemented a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program. Its purpose is to give new drivers the opportunity to improve their driving abilities in a low-risk environment and to reduce accidents caused by teen drivers.

Phase One of the program is the learner’s license, which a new driver under the age of 18 must hold for a minimum of six months before moving on to the second phase. Phase Two is a provisional license that restricts driving privileges for drivers under 18. Minors must pass a skills exam before they are issued a provisional license.

Under the provisional license, teen drivers may not:

• Drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not a family member in the car.
• Drive between midnight and 5 a.m., unless driving is necessary to go work, to attend a school function or for an emergency.
• Use a wireless communications device, even hands-free, until they reach the age of 21.

Legal Help for Victims of Teen Driving Accidents

If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a teen driver, whether as a passenger or as an occupant of another motor vehicle involved in the crash, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

At Kraft & Associates, P.C., our Dallas personal injury lawyers are prepared to investigate your accident and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive. Our lawyers have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients throughout the Dallas Metroplex and all of North Texas.

Contact our firm now for a free case evaluation with no obligation.

Sources:

• CDC: Teen Drivers
• NHTSA: Teen Drivers
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program