Teenagers are the newest drivers on Cartersville roads. Even a careful teen driver can make careless mistakes, which makes them more likely to cause a collision. If you suffered injuries in a teen accident, talk to a Cartersville teen driving accident lawyer today.
John Foy & Associates is here to help. We have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.
To get a FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online. We do not charge you a fee unless we win your case. The process is straightforward and risk-free for you.
Why Teen Driving Accidents Are So Serious
The statistics on teenagers and accidents are staggering. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides essential facts on teen drivers:
- Compared with drivers above age 19, teens aged 16-19 are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal crash.
- Car accidents are the number one cause of death for teens.
An average of six teenagers in the U.S. die every day in car accidents. That’s not counting the other lives lost in a teen driving accident.
A driver’s license is a privilege. Anyone who obtains a license must drive safely and carefully. If a teen driver does not do that, they can be liable for the damages.
Our Cartersville teen driving accident lawyers can help. Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss the details of your case and your options. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for FREE.
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How Teen Driving Accidents Happen in Cartersville
Teenage drivers do not have much experience compared to adult drivers. Plus, they are more likely to succumb to distractions.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teen drivers get distracted more easily. They also tend to speed and make more mistakes. Many teenagers text, talk on the phone, or check social media while driving.
Insurance policies for teen drivers are much higher — this is not a coincidence. Teenage drivers are riskier because they cause more accidents.
Reasons for Teenage Accidents
Common causes of teen driving accidents include:
- Speeding
- Being distracted by other teen passengers
- Texting while driving
- Drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Putting on makeup while driving
Some teens might not know what to do after an accident. They could flee the scene out of fear. Some might try to blame the other driver.
Other teen drivers are responsible for their age. However, their lack of experience still makes them prone to mistakes. If you were in a teen driving accident of any kind, talk to a lawyer.
An experienced lawyer can help you build a strong injury claim. You will need to show how the driver was negligent. You’ll also need to prove your damages. Contact an attorney to schedule a consultation and learn more.
What Teenagers Must Do to Obtain a Driver’s License
Before teens can get an adult license, they must complete several steps.
Under Joshua’s Law, teenagers must get at least 40 hours of supervised driving experience. Six of those hours must be at night. Teens must also finish an official 30-hour driving course. They can take the course in a classroom or online.
Teenage drivers must also complete a three-step process to get their license.
1. Learner’s Permit
A teen driver can get a learner’s permit, or instructional permit, at age 15. They must pass a written exam.
With a learner’s permit, teens can only drive with an adult of 21 years old or older in the passenger seat. The passenger must also have a valid full license.
2. Intermediate License
The teen driver must have their learner’s permit for at least 12 months. They must also pass a driving test. After this, teens between ages 16 and 18 can get an intermediate license. Teens who are 16 must take a driver education course and do at least 40 hours of supervised driving.
There are restrictions on the intermediate license:
- In the first six months, the teen can only drive with a licensed family member in the passenger seat.
- For the next six months, there cannot be more than one person under 21 in the car.
- After 12 months, there cannot be more than three people under age 21 in the vehicle.
Teens with intermediate licenses also cannot drive between 12 a.m., and 5 a.m.
3. Full License
This is a regular driver’s license. A teenager with an intermediate license can get a full license at age 18. However, they must not have had any driving violations in the last 12 months.
Teen drivers have to complete several steps to get a license. But many people argue that this still isn’t enough. Teen drivers still pose a higher risk than adult drivers.
Teen Driving Accident Damages
If you suffer injuries in a teen driving accident, you will have damages. You can include these costs in your personal injury claim. You’ll file your claim with the driver’s insurance company.
Examples of damages you can claim include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
You must know all of your accident damages. You will need to know what type of settlement you deserve. The insurance company will look for ways to reduce what they pay.
Thankfully, an experienced lawyer helps protect your rights. Your lawyer can calculate your damages. If the insurance company offers a lowball settlement, your lawyer will work to negotiate. If they are successful, you’ll get paid what you deserve.
Talk to a Cartersville Teen Driving Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help after your accident. We have over 20 years of experience. We are not afraid to fight for your rights.
Teen driving accidents are stressful for everyone involved. We’ll approach your case with compassion and expertise. Plus, we don’t collect a fee unless we win you compensation.
Contact us today to learn more during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
