Teen Drivers and Accidents

We Californians love our cars, and teen drivers in Newport Beach are no exception. In this state, getting a license is not only vital for transportation to and from work or school, but it is also an expression of our freedom to enjoy all that our great state has to offer from beaches and skiing to incredible entertainment and more. Unfortunately, teen drivers and accidents often go hand in hand because teen drivers are too young to understand the huge responsibility involved in driving. Inexperienced drivers can often cause serious accidents that result in serious injuries and may even require their parents to find a lawyer. If you discover that you may be in need of legal representation after this kind of accident, the team at Jamal Injury Law P.C. can assist you.

Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death among teenagers in the United States and because Long Beach experiences consistently heavy traffic, our residents are not immune. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researched teen driving fatalities, and found that for every mile driven, a teenage driver is far more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than a driver who is aged 20 or older. What is the link between teen drivers and accidents? Usually, the reasons fall into one or more of the following general categories: inexperience, inattention, or intoxication.

Inexperience plays a large role in accidents involving teen drivers in Newport Beach, often resulting in injuries and requiring parents to work with a lawyer. As a group, they are more likely to make mistakes, such as:

• Following other drivers too closely
• Driving over the speed limit
• Underestimating dangerous situations

The vast majority of accidents involving teen drivers are a result of inattentive driving. Motorists under the age of 20 are generally:

• More easily distracted by passengers
• More likely to use a cellphone while driving
• More likely to forget to use a seat belt

Another connection between teen drivers and accidents occurs when drugs and alcohol come into play. While the CDC’s research shows underage drinking has been declining in recent years, fatal accidents with young drivers are often the result of driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two. For example:

• In 2012, 23% of drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal car accidents were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• A 2013 survey found that 22% of teen passengers reported riding with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.

There are thousands of traffic collisions each year in California, and many of them involve young drivers in Newport Beach. Some of them are mere fender-benders; others have far more serious consequences that will require a lawyer. Regardless of the outcome, if you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident, contact Jamal Injury Law P.C. for help as soon as possible. Newport Beach car accident lawyer Suliman Jamal has handled cases involving teen drivers and accidents and understands how to properly evaluate liability in such circumstances. Our lawyers can help you through every step of the process of recovering the compensation you deserve for the injuries you sustained and the damages to your property. Call Jamal Injury Law P.C. today at 714-907-1021 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a lawyer.