Attorney
Teenage driver accidents statistics show that motor vehicle accidents kill more teenagers than any other cause of death. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that almost 75 percent of all fatal accidents to teenagers in the United States are because of car accidents. Teenage car accidents statistics also found that young and inexperienced drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to crash their cars than older drivers.
When a Northern Virginia accident involves a teenager, it can be particularly complex to determine who to hold responsible: the teen, parents or insurance company?
At the personal injury law firm of Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P., each car accident lawyer is committed to increasing public awareness about the dangers of teen car accidents as well as what parents and young drivers can do to help prevent these accidents. We approach each teen accident claim on its own facts and circumstances, never treating your case as we would treat someone else’s. Our experienced Northern Virginia car accident attorneys are committed to working in your best interests to seek the maximum recovery possible.
Why are Teenage Driver Accidents are More Likely?
About seven driving-age teenagers under 20 die every day from car accident injuries, according to teen car accident statistics from the CDC. The CDC also reported that the crash risk for teen drivers is the highest during their first year of driving eligibility. The report also stated that teenagers:
- Are less likely to wear seat belts than adults
- Are more likely than adults to crash under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Are more likely to get into car accidents later in the day and on the weekend
- Are more likely to get into car accidents if they are driving with other teens as passengers
- Are more likely to text while driving
Teenagers are prone to driving errors. Learning all the ways to handle a car in an emergency, particularly during poor weather, can take years — years that an inexperienced, young driver does not yet have. Unfortunately, a small mistake can be enough to cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries or the wrongful death of the teen drivers and their passengers, other motorists, cyclists or pedestrians involved.
Tips on How to Prevent Teen Car Accidents in Northern Virginia
Parents should work with their teens to educate them about road safety. A knowledgeable Northern Virginia car wreck attorney at our firm has a few tips on how parents can help encourage teen driver safety:
- Stress seat belt use and following the local rules of the road for safe driving in Northern Virginia
- Teach teenagers what to do if their car skids, hydroplanes or slides
- Supervise teen driving as often as possible
- Consider enrolling teens in defensive driving courses
- Discourage texting and driving
Call Our Virginia Car Accident Attorney Today
Teenage car accidents can be serious and sometimes even fatal. If your son or daughter was involved in a teenage car accident because of the negligence of another person or entity, or if you were involved in an accident with a teen driver, you should contact a car accident injury lawyer to learn your legal rights.
A Virginia teen driver accident lawyer from Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P. knows that one instance can change lives forever. If a teenage car accident injured or killed your teenage child, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages and your loss. Our teenage car accident attorneys have offices in Northern Virginia.
Fill out our free legal claim review form or call our office nearest you for more information about teen car accidents and for a free consultation to explore your best legal options.