The dangers of driving in our country are very crystal clear. In a smaller scale view, we often see our news outlets constantly report car accidents and injuries caused by reckless driving or poor decision-making behind the wheel. Even though these types of accidents are perhaps the most common personal injury accident in our nation, a lot of people have the mindset that a car accident still won’t happen to them. The truth is that it is a very flawed way of thinking, and it can create devastating consequences for innocent individuals.
In this opportunity, we would like to focus on a specific age group that over the course of time arises quite often when talking about motor vehicle accidents. Teenagers tend to become one of the prime focuses of individuals who either cause or are affected by car accidents. Perhaps, one of the main reasons for these incidents is due to the inexperience of young adults when getting behind the wheel. Therefore, we would like to take a moment to pay respects to any family members who have suffered the loss of their loved ones because of an unfortunate car accident.
Today, our article will focus on the various aspects that contribute to teen-related car accidents. We shall delve into the factors that lead to poor decision-making while being on the road, risks, groups, and some tips on how to prevent these specific car accidents.
Furthermore, the aftermath of this incident will be different than other types of motor vehicle-related accidents. The reason for this is because if the teen is under 18 years of age, the legal guardian of that individual will have to seek the legal options available that will deliver concrete solutions for the case.
Having that in mind, we believe that by seeking the assistance of a reckless driving attorney in South Florida, the above-mentioned legal issues can be resolved. A car accident injury has the ability to provide you with the necessary tools to overcome the legal issues of teen reckless driving. Let’s get down to business!
Statistics of Teen Related Car Accidents in Florida
- According to the CDC, the teens between the age group of 16-19 years of age are most at risk of being involved in car accident crashes. In comparison to drivers who are older than 20 years old, the mentioned age group is three times more likely to suffer a deadly crash.
- In the South Florida area, one out of five licensed drivers that are 16 years of age will be involved in a very serious traffic accident.
- In 2019, about 2,500 young adults between the ages of 13 to 19 years of age suffered injuries tied to car accidents that led to eventual fatalities. Additionally, from a financial view, non-fatal and fatal accidents resulted in about $11.8 billion in medical costs and loss of income for people who were unable to work due to the injuries.
Within The Demographic, Who Is Most At Risk
- The truth is that male drivers are more at risk than female teen drivers. The reason for this is simply because male teens have been proven to drive more than females throughout 16 to 19 years of age.
- Teens driving with other teen passengers are also prone to more crashes. It has been reported that when there are various teens in the same car there are more chances of reckless driving decisions. This includes speeding, loud music, and substance use while behind the wheel.
- Teenagers with a short amount of experience behind the wheel (newly licensed drivers). The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that in the first few months of licensure the probability of crashes tends to be particularly high.
Risk Factors Leading To Teen Crashes in Florida
- Let’s go ahead and review exactly what specific causes contribute to teen-related car accidents.
- Tendency to drive at night or during the weekend: The CDC provides a resounding statistic. This figure mentioned that about 37% of automobile crashes that involved drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 reported the crashes to occur between 9 PM and 6 AM. Additionally, 52% of these accidents occurred on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Lack of experience: The truth is that teenagers may underestimate the dangers of being on the road. Feelings of grandeur and lack of supervision may cause teens to make poor decisions in key moments.
- Not using seatbelts: Unfortunately, teens are less likely to properly use their seatbelts when operating the vehicle. In 2019, from the teen drivers and passengers that were reported deceased from the accident scene, half of them did not wear their seatbelts.
- Speeding, distracted driving, and alcohol abuse.
Car Accident Prevention in Florida
Now that we are more aware of the most common dangers that contribute to teen-related car accidents, let’s go ahead and learn about some tips that may help prevent these incidents.
- We can begin by instructing our teens to be mindful of their driving speeds. Since 51% of teen car accidents are attributed to unsafe speeds, it is imperative to obey the mandated speed limits that are posted.
- Do not drink and drive: As obvious as it may be, alcohol abuse is attributed to 25% of teen fatalities while behind the wheel. We need to better educate our teens on the obvious consequences of being inebriated while driving.
- While driving, put the cellphone down: Traffic authorities mention that a driver is 400% times more likely to be involved in a serious crash because of this distraction. On top of that, teenagers have a higher chance of texting and taking videos while being behind the wheel.
- Simply wear the seatbelt: The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that 65% of teenagers deliberately choose to not wear a seatbelt. It is imperative to click the belt because seatbelts are the most effective tools in preventing serious injury during an eventual crash.
Hire A Car Accident Attorney
If your teen has been involved in a car accident, the first step will be to take care of their injuries if they need proper medical attention. Next up, your attorney will help you get in contact with the pertinent insurance companies.
There are cases where the teen may be partially at fault for the accident or not. For that reason, it is important to have the expertise of an accident lawyer who can correctly assess your situation.
In some claims, the insurance company may try to undermine your interests and result in giving you a lower settlement than what you are entitled to. If the teen involved was not at fault for the crash, it is crucial to present the necessary evidence so that a correct form of compensation is given to you and your family. This is exactly why it is so important to have a reckless car accident attorney by your side because they will be able to compile an extensive and factual argument for your case.
They can gather the necessary evidence:
- Toxicology reports from both parties that disprove false claims,
- Witness accounts,
- Important questioning,
- Consult with car experts on the damage and what it meant at the time of the accident.
Furthermore, your attorney will be able to create a lawsuit against the insurance company or the other involved party if you believe that you are not getting the compensation you deserve. If this occurs, your lawyer will be able to represent you in a court of law.
Make The Right Choice
The following information was brought to you by the Law Offices of Scott J. Senft, where a team of highly expert attorneys is ready to take your case and make sure that your teen’s rights are protected. Scott fully comprehends both the physical and emotional trauma that a family could be subjected to at the time of a car accident.
For that reason, he and his team want to be there for you so that they can provide you with the necessary legal counsel necessary for these precise circumstances. With two locations in South Florida, Scott J. Senft is ready to work for you as a voice of reason and provide you with the efficacy needed in such difficult times. Get in contact with them as soon as possible.
