Teenagers are more prone to reckless, careless, and distracted driving than older and more experienced motorists. That means they are responsible for a disproportionate number of serious accidents.
If you were hurt in a crash in North Myrtle Beach that involved a teen driver, you could be entitled to compensation. However, you might be unsure how to demand it. You need an attorney who understands these potentially sensitive situations and how to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
At Jebaily Law Firm, our North Myrtle Beach injury lawyers stand up for crash victims in Horry County and throughout South Carolina. You can count on us to provide the compassionate and effective legal representation you need after an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Contact us now to discuss your situation and learn more about your options in a free initial case review.
Teenage Driver Car Accident Statistics
Motor vehicle accidents are a huge and growing problem among American teenagers. Consider the following teen crash data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- The rate of fatal car accidents involving U.S. teen drivers aged 16 to 19 is almost three times higher per mile driven than it is for older drivers.
- In one recent year, nearly 2,800 American teenagers aged 13 to 19 lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes. That same year, another 227,000 teens suffered injuries in car accidents nationwide.
- Every day that year, an average of eight U.S. teenagers died, and hundreds more sustained injuries in car accidents.
- The societal costs of motor vehicle crash deaths involving teen drivers totaled more than $40 billion that year.
- When an unsupervised teenager is driving, their risk of causing an accident increases with each additional teen or young adult passenger in the car.
- Teen drivers are much more likely to crash during the first few months after getting their licenses. The crash rate among 16-year-old drivers is about 50 percent higher than it is among 18- and 19-year-old drivers.
Why Teens Are More Likely to Cause Crashes
Several reasons teen drivers are more likely to cause accidents than older drivers include:
- Relative lack of experience – Teens have less experience keeping their vehicles well-maintained and dealing with different driving conditions, such as adverse weather, unfamiliar roads, or dense traffic.
- Immature decision-making – Teens are still developing their decision-making abilities, making them more likely to engage in impulsive or reckless behavior.
- More risk-taking behaviors – Risk-taking impulses spike during teen years, and many teens are prone to actions like speeding, tailgating, and running red lights.
- Nighttime driving – Many teens drive at night as they head home from part-time jobs or extracurricular activities, a time when visibility is bad and crash risks skyrocket.
Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents in NMB
Some of the most common causes of teen car accidents in North Myrtle Beach include:
- Distracted driving – Chronically online teen drivers are especially likely to get absorbed in distractions like texts, phone apps, and social media. Other common teen driving distractions include chatting with passengers, eating, drinking, and personal grooming.
- Speeding – Excessive speed is a contributing factor in many teen driving accidents, as speeding increases the risk of losing control and reduces the time a teen driver has to react to hazards on the road.
- Reckless driving – Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, running red lights, and making illegal turns are some common causes of teen accidents.
- Alcohol and drug use – Teens who use alcohol and drugs have impaired judgment and reaction time, increasing their risk of accidents if they drive.
- Fatigue – Teens are less likely to know their limits, so they are more likely to drive while tired and much more at risk of causing accidents.
- Lack of maintenance – Many teens do not know how or cannot afford to keep their vehicles in good shape, which can lead to mechanical issues and accidents.
Liability for a Car Crash Involving a Young Driver
Several different parties could be liable in a car accident case involving a young driver, including:
- The teen driver – The teen driver might be liable if the accident was a result of their negligent or reckless driving behaviors.
- Another road user – Another road user, such as another motorist or a cyclist, could be liable if their conduct somehow contributed to the collision.
- A parent or guardian – The teen driver’s parent or guardian could be liable if the driver is under 18 and has a parent or guardian who is legally responsible for them.
- An employer – An employer could be liable if the teen was driving a company car or driving for work-related reasons when the accident occurred.
- Someone who served the teen alcohol – A social host or retail establishment could be liable if it served alcohol to an underage driver who went on to cause an accident.
- A vehicle owner – The owner of the vehicle involved in the crash could be liable if they loaned their car to the teen driver.
- A manufacturer or seller – If the accident occurred because of a defect in the vehicle, the company that manufactured it might be liable for damages.
Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
Teen drivers can keep themselves and others safe on the road by remembering the following safety tips:
- Always wear a seatbelt and make sure all passengers do the same.
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as using a cell phone or eating.
- Obey all traffic laws and follow posted speed limits.
- Avoid reckless or aggressive driving, such as tailgating or speeding.
- Plan your route before you leave and be aware of road conditions.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Get plenty of sleep before driving and avoid drowsy driving.
- Keep your vehicle in good condition and pay attention to warning lights.
- Avoid driving at night or in high-traffic areas where crash risk is higher.
Contact Our North Myrtle Beach Car Accident Lawyers
If you have questions or wish to discuss your case with a teen driver accident attorney, contact the Jebaily Law Firm today. We can answer your questions and review your case for free during your initial consultation session.
