For many teens in the United States, one of the most exhilarating moments of their young lives is obtaining a driver’s license. A license can bring them a sense of freedom and marks the advancing of adulthood. However, parents may be more apprehensive about this newfound freedom.
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of fatal injury for American teens. Additionally, even though the 15 to 24-year-old age group accounts for only 14 percent of the United States’ population, this group suffers from the most vehicle crashes. Teen boys have double the fatality crash rate as female teenage drivers, and teens driving with teenage passengers are more likely to crash.
According to recent statistics, an average of seven teens between the ages of 16 to 19 lose their lives every day from car crashes. This group was also three times more likely than those over the age of 19 to be involved in a fatal car accident. This is because teens are least likely to wear their seatbelts. Other factors in the high rate of crash fatalities include distracted driving, drowsy driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Why is the Risk So Great Among Teen Drivers?
Many teens think that they are invincible and greatly underestimate the dangers or do not correctly assume the risks due to their lack of experience. They are more likely to speed, tailgate, and not wear their seatbelt.
Who is to Blame?
Typically, teenage drivers are covered under their parents’ insurance policies when they start driving. When a teen is insured and causes a car crash, the insurance company will defend and indemnify the teen. Usually, the greater risk of teenage drivers getting into a car accident is accounted for in the premium that is charged to the parent.
Some U.S. states have laws in place that impose liability on the parents when their teenager’s reckless driving causes an accident. However, the parent will typically not be liable if the teen used the car without permission, or if the parent does not have custody of the child. Moreover, a parent can revoke their responsibility by refusing to sign the application for their child’s license.
Cherry Hill Car Accident Lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. Advocate for Victims’ Rights to Compensation for Their Injuries
If you have been the victim of a teenage driver car crash, contact a Cherry Hill car accident lawyer at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. Call 856-354-9444 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We proudly represent clients throughout South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
