Youth

As in most of the country in Hollywood teens 16 years and older can start driving. Getting a driver’s license is considered something of a rite of passage for many young drivers and many young motorists associate driving with freedom. Unfortunately, government statistics show that teen drivers may be at increased risk for car crashes. In fact, car collisions are the leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 15 and 20.

If you or your child has been injured by a young or teen driver, it is important to gather the facts and to get advice about your rights. At Flaxman Law Group, our team of attorneys is standing by to help you understand whether you have a legal claim so that you can be financially compensated for your losses. Contact our law firm today at our offices in Hollywood, Homestead, or Miami for your free accident consultation.

Are Teens and Youth More Likely to Cause Roadway Crashes?

The National Transportation and Safety Administration (NTSA) reports that while teen drivers account for only six percent of drivers across the country, they account for 13% of police-reported collisions. According to safety experts, there are many reasons why teens and young drivers may be at this heightened risk of causing car crashes:

• They may not yet have the experience and acquired driving skills needed to avoid collisions.
• They may drive distracted. For newer drivers, especially, listening to music, eating, or sharing the car with passengers can be a significant distraction.
• Younger drivers may overestimate their driving ability. Teens and new drivers may be excited to start driving and may assume that since they have a license they know “all” about driving. This can lead them to underestimate dangers or make other mistakes.
• Teen drivers may take risks. Some teen drivers may take risks such as speeding, tailgating, and other dangerous activities. Insurance companies often charge higher premiums for teen drivers because they are statistically more likely to take these risks when compared with older and adult drivers.
• Younger drivers may be affected by drug and alcohol use. Studies have shown that younger drivers may be more affected by alcohol and drugs when compared with older drivers. Younger drivers may also have fewer options for getting home safely or may be afraid to tell their parents that they have been drinking, which can lead them to drink and drive.
• Fatigued driving can be a problem for youth. Many teens and young adults have busy lives as they balance social demands with school and part-time work. Late nights can easily lead to fatigued driving and collisions, especially if young drivers are not familiar with driving at night.
• Teen drivers are more likely to drive older cars. Many teens save up for their first car or get a hand-me-down car from their families. Unfortunately, studies have shown that teens driving older cars may be at risk, since these vehicles may not be as mechanically sound or may not have the safety features of newer models.

Why Teens May be More Vulnerable in Traffic Collisions

Teens and youth are not only more at risk of being involved in a car collision, but they can be more strongly affected by a serious injury in a collision. Studies have shown that teens may be more subject to serious injuries in a car accident. If they sustain a head injury, for example, that injury has the potential to affect them more than it might an adult passenger.

If you or your child is suffering from an injury caused by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. You may be able to seek compensation through a civil suit for:

• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Car repairs
• Medical bills (including past and future medical expenses related to the injury)
• Income loss (including past and future lost wages)
• Incidental costs

To find out whether you qualify for compensation, speak with a personal injury attorney at Flaxman Law Group by calling 866-352-9626. We can offer a free accident consultation so that you can discuss your specific situation with our legal team.