Teen drivers a common factor in dangerous car accidents

On behalf of Steven Crell of Steve Crell Law posted in Personal Injury on Monday, June 6, 2016.

Many Indiana drivers know that teen drivers may be more at risk for causing a car accident. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released a report on May 27 showing that about 66 percent of those who suffered injuries or were killed in a crash were those involved in accidents where a teenager was behind the wheel.

The study used data from police accident reports that involved drivers between the ages of 15 to 19. While it appeared that the number of teen driver-related accidents decreased, 66 percent of those who were killed and 67 percent of those who were injured were those who were not the teenage driver. About 50 percent of those individuals who were injured were in the other vehicle while 30 percent of those who were killed were in the other vehicle.

AAA released the study to raise awareness during the summer months, which are particularly deadly. In 2013, for example, an average of 220 individuals died in accidents involving a teen driver during each of the summer months. This period is known as the “100 Deadliest Days.”

Although they are often inexperienced, teen drivers may still be held accountable if they cause a car accident that results in a serious injury or a death. In such an event, a personal injury attorney may assist with seeking compensation for medical bills and other economic losses. The attorney may represent the injured person and help ensure that he or she receives the amount of compensation needed to cover the damages. If the insurance company refuses to cover the costs, the attorney may take the case to trial to protect the injured person’s interests.