Teenagers in Smyrna can start driving as early as 15 years old. But that does not mean the driver is responsible. Unfortunately, teenage accidents are incredibly common. If you were the victim of one, get help from a Smyrna teen driving accident lawyer today.
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Inexperience and carelessness can easily lead to severe accidents. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll work to get you compensation for your damages.
We’ve been helping accident victims for over 25 years. If you work with us, there is no fee unless you recover money. To schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Why Teen Driving Accidents Happen in Smyrna
Teenage drivers are more likely to make careless mistakes. They might not realize how dangerous distractions can be. Carelessness is critical in adult accidents too, but teens are more likely to do the following while driving:
- Text or talk on the phone
- Speed
- Put on makeup or groom
- Become distracted by passengers
- Drive while on drugs or alcohol
- Drive while fatigued
- Mess with the radio
- Check social media, email, or apps
- Engage in aggressive driving
- Run stop signs or commit other traffic violations
Teen drivers might also not know what to do after an accident. For many teens, the first accident is scary. A teen driver might flee the scene without realizing the consequences.
After a teen driving accident, it’s essential to stay calm. Gather information, and report the accident. The police — and later, your lawyer — will investigate to determine what caused the crash.
Statistics on Teen Driving Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), auto accidents are the number one cause of death for U.S. teens. The CDC also reports that:
- In 2017, six teenagers between ages 16 and 19 died every day in auto accidents.
- About 300,000 teens went to emergency departments for the treatment of accident injuries in 2017.
- Teens aged 15-19 made up 6.5% of the U.S. population in 2017. But the same group made up nearly eight percent of total motor vehicle injury costs.
Teenager drivers cost about $13.1 billion per year for the treatment of accident injuries. The costs of teen driving accidents are high in the U.S. These accidents are also dangerous.
Teen driving accidents are more likely to happen when another teen is in the car. Teenagers can easily distract one another, increasing the risk of accidents.
After a teen driving accident, it’s best to contact an experienced lawyer. You’ll need someone who has experience with teenage accidents. Your lawyer can help you gather information from the crash and build a case.
What Teenagers Must Do to Become Licensed to Drive
Teenagers in Smyrna must complete specific requirements before getting their driver’s license. According to Joshua’s Law:
- Sixteen-year-old teens must complete an approved driver education course to get their Class D license. The course must be through a certified public or private training school.
- Seventeen-year-old teens must complete 40 total hours of supervised driving for a Class D license. Six of the hours must happen at night.
Teenagers must also have a learner’s permit for one year and one day before getting their Class D license. Each teen must have a learner’s permit before they can start training.
Even after teen drivers meet Joshua’s Law requirements, that’s not all. Teens must also complete three steps of the Teenage Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA).
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TADRA Stages for Teen Drivers
Teenagers must complete all three steps to get a full driver’s license.
1. Instructional Permit (Class CP)
Teens can get an instruction permit — or learner’s permit — after they’ve turned 15. The teen must pass a written exam. They can also only drive with a licensed adult at least 21 years of age in the passenger seat.
2. Intermediate License (Class D)
A teen driver must pass a driving test and have had their instructional permit for 12 months. They must also take the driver education course and have 40 hours of supervised driving. After that, they can get an intermediate license.
The intermediate license comes with restrictions:
- For the first six months, a Class D teen can only drive with a family member in the passenger seat.
- For the next six months, there can be no more than one passenger under 21.
- After the first 12 months, there cannot be more than three people under 21 in the car.
- Class D teen drivers cannot drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
3. Full License (Class C)
A Class C license is a “normal” driver’s license. A teen driver can receive a full license if:
- They are at least 18 years old.
- They have not had any driving violations in the last 12 months.
- They have completed all of the requirements above.
A full license removes the nighttime driving and other restrictions.
Ways to Prevent Teenage Auto Crashes
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent accidents completely. Even adults get into car crashes. But there are things parents can do to help protect their teens.
Parents should stress the importance of alertness while driving. Teenagers are especially at risk for distracted driving. Teens should understand the dangers of texting and other distractions while driving.
Parents can also educate teen drivers on what to do after an accident. Teens should know about calling 911 to report the accident. Also, they must understand they should never leave the scene of an accident.
How to Find a Good Teen Driving Accident Lawyer
If you, a family member, or your teenager suffered injuries in an accident, contact a teen driving accident lawyer. You will need someone who can be compassionate while working on your case. Teen accident lawyers know how to handle the complexities of crashes involving teenagers.
An experienced lawyer will know how to gather information and build a strong case. They will also handle the insurance companies and fight for your fullest recovery possible.
Talk to a Smyrna Teen Driving Accident Lawyer for Free Today
John Foy & Associates can help after your teen driving accident. We have over 25 years of experience, and we know what it takes to win. If you suffered injuries from a teen driving, call us today.
We do not charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you. You don’t have to worry about any upfront fees. To schedule your FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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