Compared with adult drivers, teenage drivers in Marietta are inexperienced. New drivers have a lot to learn. Unfortunately, they also cause a large number of accidents. If a teen driver’s mistakes injured you, it’s time to talk to a Marietta teen driving accident lawyer.
John Foy & Associates can help you seek compensation for your costs. You should not have to pay for the other driver’s poor judgment. We can help you build a strong case, risk-free.
We do not collect a fee unless we win your case for you. Plus, the consultation is always FREE. To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents in Marietta
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,255 teen drivers were involved in fatal accidents in 2017. (Teen drivers refer to those between ages 15 and 19.) In the same year, 2,526 teenagers were killed in car accidents.
Auto accidents are the highest cause of death of U.S. teens. Inexperienced drivers, unfortunately, put themselves and others at risk. Not all teen drivers are careless, but they are more likely to make mistakes.
Here are the most common reasons for teen driving accidents.
Lack of Experience
Teenage drivers simply have less experience. Even if a teen driver has a legal license, they are more likely to cause crashes than adults.
Various situations can come up when someone is driving. A teen driver might not know what to do if they don’t yet have experience with each possible circumstance.
Texting and Other Distractions
Cell phones are distracting for all drivers. But teenage drivers are more likely to use their phones while driving.
Teenagers are always connected through texting, social media, and other apps. They must be careful to save phone use until they are not on the road. Otherwise, they can cause a distracted driving accident.
Teenagers can also become distracted by:
- Other teenage passengers talking to or entertaining them
- Eating food or drinking beverages in the car
- Loud music or video streaming
- Getting a phone call or text message
- Putting on makeup while driving
Distracted driving is hazardous. Just a few seconds of distraction can lead to a fatal accident. Teens should be careful to avoid all distractions while driving.
Risky Driving Behaviors
Many young people enjoy the thrill of risks. However, driving is not a time to look for adventure. Teenage drivers are more likely to engage in hazardous behaviors like:
- Racing
- Tailgating
- Swerving on the road
- Driving at erratic speeds
- Yelling out of car windows
Drunk or Drugged Driving
Teenagers are also more likely to engage in drugs or alcohol. If a teenager does this while driving, it puts everyone at enormous risk. A teen driver might not fully grasp the dangers of driving under the influence.
Parents should be careful to teach their teens about drunk driving consequences. Just one poor decision can change someone’s life forever.
Teen drivers are almost three times more likely to be in a fatal accident than adult drivers. Crash risk is exceptionally high during the first few months that a teenager has their license. If a teen accident injured you or a loved one, you have legal options.
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Protect Your Rights After a Teen Driving Accident in Marietta
All drivers in Georgia must act in a way that does not harm others on the road. This legal duty includes teenage drivers. Teen drivers are typically responsible for the costs of an accident they cause.
In some cases, a teen’s parents might be responsible for an accident. In Georgia, these laws fall under the Family Purpose Doctrine (Hicks v. Newman). Here are the four parts of this doctrine:
- The parent owns or controls the vehicle that was in the accident.
- The parent made the car available for the teen driver.
- The driver is a member of the immediate family household.
- The parent gave the teenage permission to drive the car.
You can file a personal injury case against a teen driver’s parents if the above apply. However, you will still have to prove the driver’s negligence in your accident.
If a teen driver caused your accident injuries, you have legal rights. You can file a claim to seek financial compensation. You will need to show that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver breached that duty of care.
- The breached duty led to your accident.
- You suffered injuries because of the accident.
A teen driver must have been careless in some way. A thoughtless action is called negligence in legal terms. Even if the teen driver didn’t intend to cause the accident, they could still be negligent.
A Marietta teen driving accident lawyer will know how to show the teen driver’s responsibility. They can help explain how the accident affected you. In most cases, you won’t deal with the teenage driver directly. You’ll file your claim with the insurance company.
Teen Driving Accident Damages in Marietta
Your “damages” are the losses you experience because of the accident. There are two main types of damages: special damages and general damages.
Special Damages
Special damages are monetary losses like:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
You must prove these damages through documentation. Save all medical bills and receipts.
General Damages
Unlike special damages, there are no clear dollar values for general costs. Your general costs account for emotional injuries like:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Embarrassment or fear
Your lawyer will know how to calculate these costs. They will determine the full value of all of your damages.
Get a Free Consultation with a Marietta Teen Driving Accident Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injured individuals for over 20 years. We strive to make the accident claim process as stress-free as possible. Plus, you will not pay us until we win your case.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form