As summer approaches and school lets out, teenagers gain more freedom and time for social activities and travel. However, this newfound freedom also correlates with an alarming rise in automobile accidents involving teens. In 2022, 763 teens lost their lives in vehicle crashes in the months of June, July, and August in the U.S.

During the summer months when teenagers are out of school, their increased leisure time, number of social outings, and relative driving inexperience heighten the risk of accidents. Understanding these trends and their contributing factors is crucial for teens and parents to ensure safer driving experiences.

If you’ve been in an auto collision with a teen driver or your teenager was injured in a crash, our Michigan car accident attorneys at Fieger Law can help. We can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation from the responsible party.

What the Stats Say

Teenage drivers have the highest fatal crash rate of any age group. 2,883 teens between 13 and 19 died in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2022. There are several reasons for this:

  • Inexperience: Teenagers have less driving experience, especially in challenging situations. The rate of fatal accidents per mile driven by 16 to 19-year-olds is almost three times higher than that for drivers aged 20 and older.
  • Speeding: Teenagers often underestimate the dangers of speeding and overestimate their driving skills, leading to a higher incidence of speed-related accidents.
  • Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, chatting with passengers, and other distractions pose significant risks. In 2022, over half (56%) of teenage passenger fatalities in passenger vehicles were in cars driven by another teenager.
  • Impaired driving: While less common than with adult drivers, alcohol involvement is still a factor in teen crashes. In 2022, 22% of fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers ages 16-17 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08%.

If you were hurt in a crash involving a teen driver, reach out to our qualified attorneys at Fieger Law. We can help you determine liability in teen driving accidents and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Consequences of Teen Auto Accidents

The potential consequences of teen auto accidents are far-reaching and can affect teenagers and their families in several ways:

  • Physical Injuries: These can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-changing conditions such as spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries that impact the teen or other involved parties for the rest of their lives.
  • Fatalities: Tragically, a significant number of accidents involving teenagers result in death, leaving families and communities to cope with the loss of young lives.
  • Legal Ramifications: Teens involved in accidents may face legal consequences, including charges of reckless or impaired driving, which can result in fines, license suspension, or even incarceration. Parents can also be held legally accountable if they allow their teen to use the vehicle (owner liability) or if they did not take steps to prevent a teen known to be an irresponsible driver from driving (negligent entrustment).
  • Increased Insurance Costs: Following an accident, teenagers and their families often face higher auto insurance premiums, which can be financially burdensome.
  • Emotional and Psychological Trauma: The impact of being involved in, or even just witnessing, a serious accident can lead to long-term psychological issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

If your family is dealing with the aftermath of a teen car accident, our car crash attorneys can provide the support and legal guidance you need. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn your next legal steps.

Minimizing the Risk of Collisions: What Teens and Parents Can Do

While the statistics can be intimidating, parents and teens can take practical steps to minimize the risks of automobile accidents during the summer. Here are a few safety tips:

  • Promote Safe Driving Practices: Encourage teens to adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Reinforce the importance of wearing seat belts to reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash.
  • Establish Clear Rules and Expectations: Parents should set rules and follow Michigan’s Graduated Driver’s License program
  • Encourage Parental Supervision: Regularly riding along with teen drivers provides opportunities to observe their driving habits and offer constructive feedback. Consider apps that monitor your teen’s location or notify you if they reach a certain speed or use their phone while driving.
  • Foster Open Communication: Maintain an open dialogue about the responsibilities and risks associated with driving. Teens should feel comfortable discussing their concerns or experiences on the road without fear of punishment.

Get Legal Guidance From Fieger Law

The summer spike in teen-related automobile accidents is a serious concern, but with the proper safety measures and culture of responsible driving, we can help protect our young drivers and others on the road.

If your family has been affected by a teen-related motor accident, Fieger Law is here to support you. Our Michigan car accident attorneys have the experience and expertise to help you understand the legal challenges and receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free case review and let us help you protect your family’s future.