Car accidents commonly result from mistakes drivers make behind the wheel. They can behave negligently and make errors, such as speeding, running red lights, and distracted driving, that can expose other drivers to harm. Teen drivers can make these mistakes due to inexperience and cause car accidents.
When someone first begins driving as a teen, they can make errors through negligence or recklessness that can put other drivers at risk. Common mistakes teen drivers make include speeding, distracted driving, operating a vehicle without insurance or a license, reckless driving, and failing to obey traffic control signals and stop signs. If you were involved in a car accident with a teen driver, you could file a car accident claim with their insurance company to pursue compensation for damages.
Teen Drivers Commonly Cause Car Accidents Through Speeding
Teen drivers are at higher risk of causing severe car accidents because they lack experience behind the wheel. They do not have years of experience driving to pull from in tight situations, and their lack of experience can show in mistakes that can cause car accidents.
The most common cause of teen driving accidents is speeding. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 35% of male teen drivers and 18% of female teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding during the car collision.
Teen drivers may become impatient behind the wheel or wish to speed for the thrill of it. While speeding, drivers may miss a car pulling out in front of them because they are going too fast to perceive their surroundings. Whether to get to their destination faster or impress their friends, speeding teen drivers can cause car accidents that can result in significant car accident injuries.
Reckless Driving from Teen Drivers
Teen drivers can also cause car accidents through reckless driving. This is when a driver intentionally disobeys road rules and exposes other drivers on the road to harm. Reckless driving can include intentionally going above the speed limit, cutting off other drivers, running red lights and stop signs, tailgating other drivers, and possibly striking other vehicles.
Some teen drivers may experience road rage behind the wheel, which can lead to reckless driving behavior. They may fail to see the danger in their reckless behavior or not care about the consequences. Reckless driving can lead to various legal consequences depending on what state it happens in and what damages they cause. It can include fines, license suspension, and a possible jail sentence.
A Common Mistake From Teen Drivers Is Operating a Vehicle Without Insurance or a License
When a teen fails to get their license, they may get a bit impatient after seeing their friends get theirs. That might lead to them driving a car without their license. When a teen driver has their learner’s permit, there are only certain circumstances where a teen can drive, such as during the day with adult supervision.
A teen driver may operate a vehicle without a license or without required supervision, which is illegal. If they cannot pass a written or road test, it’s because they lack the proper driving skills and knowledge. An inexperienced, untrained, and unlicensed driver can make mistakes behind the wheel that can cause car accidents.
Another common mistake made by teen drivers is not having proper insurance. Each state has its own rules for how much insurance drivers must have. It’s important to have insurance to provide economic protection should they be involved in a car accident. Uninsured motorists cannot receive compensation for damages after their car accident from their insurance policy and can struggle monetarily as they have to pay for economic losses.
Teen Drivers Fail to Obey Traffic Control Signals and Stop Signs
Teen drivers can also cause car accidents by failing to obey traffic control signals and stop signs. When someone has a red light at an intersection, they should stop to allow other drivers and pedestrians to pass through. Failing to do so and running a red light can lead to them crashing into another vehicle or pedestrian, causing significant trauma and possibly life-threatening injuries.
Drivers also need to halt their progress at stop signs and check to ensure the path is clear for them to advance. Failing to do so can lead to a driver colliding directly with another vehicle in their path. Teen drivers can make these mistakes if they are in a hurry or are too distracted to follow the road signs.
Distracted Driving from Teen Drivers
Car accidents caused by teen drivers can also result from distracted driving. This is when manual, visual, or cognitive distractions take a driver’s focus away from the road. Teens can experience a myriad of distractions, such as friends in their car, social media, and talking on the phone. If they take their attention away from the road, they may miss an oncoming obstacle or car, leading to them crashing and causing severe bodily injuries.
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer to Help You Recover Compensatory Damages
Car accident victims can suffer economic and non-economic damages from an accident with a teen driver. Some car accident damages can include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. With the help of a car accident lawyer, they can file a car accident claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company to pursue compensation for damages.
While car accident victims can handle the process independently, their best chance for recovering fair compensatory damages is with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. They will have gone through the process successfully before with other clients and can use that experience to advise you on the best steps. A car accident lawyer can help you determine the cost of your damages, establish who caused the accident, collect evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Car Accident Claim
At The Russo Firm, our car accident lawyers have decades of experience helping victims recover compensatory damages caused by a negligent driver. We have lawyers from Florida, New York, Louisiana, and Arizona. They bring their specific knowledge of these states to inform your car accident claim.
If you were involved in a car accident with a teen driver, our car accident lawyers could use their car accident experience and local expertise to inform your claim. Allow our car accident lawyers to explain how we can help you hold the at-fault party accountable for damages. Contact us for a free car accident consultation today at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
