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Legally, being able to drive a car is one of the most exciting moments for many teenagers. They will feel the freedom, go out with their friends, and join the millions that drive every day in Connecticut.
Parents also see the benefit of their child driving as they can now help with younger siblings and/or grandparents, run errands, and more.
But just like we make mistakes as we learn, there is a higher chance that a teenager will make a mistake and cause an accident. Teenagers are young, tend to be irresponsible, and forget that while a car is convenient, it comes with severe and potentially fatal consequences when used negligently.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand that teens are new to the road, but that does not mean that you do not seek compensation for their negligence. Schedule your free initial consultation with our staff.
We are more than happy to show you what your case is worth. You can contact us at (203) 633-7449 or contact us online to schedule a free case review with our experienced attorneys at any time.
Teenagers are excited to obtain their driver’s license, which marks a significant milestone in their young lives. But as eager as they are to start driving, they forget that cars can be dangerous when not operated responsibly.
Teen drivers tend to act negligently when they get on the road, resulting in devastating outcomes. If you are a victim of a car accident caused by a teen driver, seek legal counsel immediately.
Having an experienced teen driver accident lawyer on your side ensures you receive the compensation your case deserves.
Attorneys like those at Bert McDowell Injury Law have gathered many years of experience handling similar cases and are familiar with what to expect. As an advocate for you and your claim, your attorney will:
During negotiations, an attorney takes the front line in representing their client and, if necessary, in court — all actions that help you focus on recovery and returning to some sense of what once was normal.
Parents look at the benefits of their child driving, as it helps with errands, like taking their younger siblings to soccer practice. They often fail to understand the parental responsibility of having a teen driver.
Parents must be assertive in helping their children understand the consequences of negligent driving behaviors and teach them to prevent accidents. While this is both a legal and ethical issue, not all parents believe they have the time or patience to encourage proper driving.
Connecticut has some of the strictest rules and laws regarding teen driving, including holding parents liable if their child hurts someone on the road. Parents are responsible for ensuring their teen driver receives adequate education, follows licensing restrictions, and practices responsible driving.
A teen accident may cost parents:
Car accidents are the top killer of teens between 15-19. When teenagers transition from a learner’s permit to a full-fledged driver’s license, they are at a higher risk of getting into accidents because of inexperience in different driving scenarios, handling unexpected road situations, and the tendency for negligent driving maneuvers.
Their inexperience means that they may not react properly like someone who has driven for many years.
According to this article published by CT Insider, over 12,000 teen drivers were involved in crashes in Connecticut in 2022. Their inexperience unfortunately contributed to the high statistics.
Teen drivers often lack the experience and judgment that comes with years of driving, leading to errors in judgment, misjudgment of distances, and failure to anticipate potential hazards.
These contributors do not include the typical causes of accidents, including distracted driving, speeding, and risky and aggressive maneuvers in traffic or dangerous weather conditions.
Some examples of teen driver accidents are:
Like adults, teens tend to lose focus on the road with minor distractions. Examples of distracted driving include eating, using a cell phone, conversing with a passenger, and many other activities.
It is essential to avoid distracted driving to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Teens do not have the same experience as adults; they have not spent many years driving or exposed to situations requiring quick reflexes. As a result, teenagers are more likely to underestimate risks, which can lead to poor decision-making while behind the wheel.
Reckless driving is associated as a form of aggressive driving. Swerving in and out of lanes, making sharp turns, braking quickly, and tailing.
These actions all contribute to the increased risks of teen driving.
Speeding is a widespread issue among all drivers in Connecticut. People speed when they are late, are impatient, and otherwise feel a sense of entitlement to the road.
A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) found that 13% of adolescent drivers admitted to participating in street races, which is a severe form of speeding and reckless driving with catastrophic consequences.
The consequences of teen driver accidents extend beyond the actual collision. Accidents can negatively impact the teen’s driving record, increase their insurance premiums, and if the accident kills another person, legal consequences.
Victims who were hurt because of a teen driver find themselves dealing with increasing medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and the emotional distress caused by the event.
The consequences resulting from these accidents can be severe, ranging from head injuries and whiplash to internal injuries and fatal injuries. Victims should seek immediate medical care after an accident to ensure that their injuries are addressed promptly and medical intervention is made if necessary.
Hartford teen parents know that an accident caused by their child may have crippling effects on their overall finances. However, the other parties involved may also feel the pain from accumulating expenses and financial strains.
Teen driver accidents can be devastating and life-changing to all involved. Young drivers tend to be inexperienced and willing to take on risky maneuvers they would otherwise avoid.
Do not let medical bills, car repair expenses, and other charges accumulate when the other party’s insurance is supposed to pay. Choose to work with your local Hartford legal team, which has you and your best financial interests in mind.
Our goal is to make sure that we do whatever we can within the law to help you reach a satisfying settlement, one that provides coverage for all damages suffered, past and future.
If you were injured in a teen driver accident, contact Bert McDowell Injury Law today at (203) 633-7449 or contact us online to schedule your 100% free and confidential case review.
Give us a call today and “Bring on Bert!”