Columbia Teen Driving Accident Attorney
Experienced & Knowledgeable Legal Counsel in South Carolina
One of the most exciting days in a teenager's life is obtaining a driver’s license and some form of independence. However, many teens do not completely understand the dangers and responsibilities associated with the privilege to drive. Since teen drivers lack enough experience and knowledge behind the wheel compared to their adult counterparts, they are more likely to engage in riskier behavior, which can lead to serious and fatal car accidents.
Whether you were injured in a crash caused by a teen driver, or your teenager suffered an injury in a collision, look no further than the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC to help you recover financial compensation from the liable party. Our legal team can investigate the accident, assess all the evidence, negotiate with insurance carriers, or fight for you in the courtroom in order to obtain the most favorable outcome in your case.
Call (803) 359-3301 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation. Serving clients in Columbia, Lexington, and throughout the state!
Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are the second leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States. In 2019 alone, nearly 2,400 teens between the ages of 13 and 19 were killed and approximately 258,000 were treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained in traffic collisions.
Teens aged 16 to 19 have the highest risk of being involved in a car crash among any other age group. Moreover, per mile driven, teen drivers in this age group are almost three times as likely as drivers who are 20 years of age or older to be involved in a deadly accident.
The following are the common factors that put teens at risk of car accidents:
- Inexperience – As we mentioned earlier, teenagers are more likely than adult drivers to underestimate or fail to recognize dangerous road conditions, or make decision-making errors while behind the wheel, resulting in a crash.
- Speeding – Teens are more than likely than adults to speed and engage in reckless driving. Unfortunately, speeding is one of the most common contributing factors in car accidents in general.
- Distracted driving – From texting while driving to talking to passengers, there are a wide range of distractions that negatively impact driving performance.
- Drunk or drugged driving – Underage drinking is common among high school and college students. However, teen drivers have a significantly higher risk of being involved in a collision compared to their adult counterparts at the same blood alcohol content (BAC) level. After alcohol, marijuana is the most common drug associated with intoxicated driving among teens.
- Driving at night and the weekends – According to 2016-2017 data from the National Household Travel Survey, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 were nearly three times as likely to be involved in a fatal accident at night compared to older drivers aged 30 to 59. The CDC reported that 40 percent of fatal car accidents among teens in the same age group happened between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., and 52 percent occurred on the weekend, including Friday.
Let Our Firm Fight for You!
Car accidents involving teen drivers can be quite complex, which is why it is imperative to hire a skilled personal injury attorney to protect your rights and best interests through each step of the legal process. Our firm has provided compassionate and personalized legal representation to clients throughout South Carolina since 2004.
Contact us today at (803) 359-3301 to discuss your case with our Columbia teen driving accident lawyers!
