Auto Accidents Lawsuits

Car accidents are the number-one cause of death for U.S. teens today. In fact, the risk of accidents is higher among youths age 15 to 20 than any other age group. Mile for mile, teenage drivers are four times more likely to get into an accident than older drivers. Here are more frightening facts related to teenage drivers and auto accidents:

• In 2006, 3,490 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 died in car accidents.
• An additional 272,000 teens were injured in 2006.
• In 2002, the estimated cost of reported accidents involving drivers age 15 to 20 was $40.8 billion.
• Teenage drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident than elderly drivers age 65 to 69.
• In 2005, teens accounted for 10% of the U.S. population--and 12% of car accident-related deaths.

It goes without saying that teenagers are responsible for a disproportionate number of car accidents. But what are the reasons behind this?

• Inexperience. Since they receive only a limited opportunity to learn to drive under adult supervision, teenage drivers simply aren't skilled enough to drive in bad weather, at nighttime, or in unusual road conditions. Teens typically underestimate dangerous driving situations or fail to recognize them at all, leading to an increased risk for accidents.
• Peer pressure. Friends are an integral part of being a teenager. Unfortunately, encouragement by friends often leads teens to take risks they normally would not when alone, such as racing in their vehicles, driving at excessive speeds, drinking or taking drugs while driving, or neglecting to wear their seatbelt.
• Feeling of invincibility. As a rule, most teenagers believe that nothing bad will ever happen to them--only to other people. This false sense of security can lead to daring behavior when it comes to the road.
• Low seatbelt use. Teenage drivers have the lowest rate of seatbelt use when compared to other age groups.
• Drinking and partying while driving. Though it may seem unreasonable to most, many teens freely drink, dance and engage in drug use while a vehicle is in motion. This behavior leads to lack of focus on the driver's part and resulting careless acts. Among male drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 who were involved in deadly car accidents in 2005, 24% had been drinking at the time the crash occurred.
• Cell phones. Use of cell phones while driving has been the subject of much controversy in recent years. According to an Allstate Foundation survey conducted between March and July 2005, 56% of teenage drivers use them while driving. Most agree that cell phones and other mobile devices are a major source of distraction for drivers, and that drivers should pull over to the side of the road before making or answering a call.

Are You the Victim of a Car Accident Involving a Teenage Driver?

If you've been hurt in a car accident involving a teenage driver, you may be entitled to collect compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and your pain and suffering.

Our lawyers have decades of experience in personal injury law and can help you determine whether or not you have basis for a claim. If we decide that you have a valid case, we'll work hard to protect your rights under the law as we pursue a settlement on your behalf.

Remember, the law limits the amount of time you have to file suit after being injured, and failure to act quickly could affect your ability to file a claim. Don't delay - contact the Law Offices of James Sokolove today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your personal injury case.