Dallas Teen Driving Accident Lawyer
When a teenager in Dallas gets their driver’s license, it’s a privilege, and it comes with risks. Even when a teen driver follows all of the proper channels to get their license, they are still less experienced than adult drivers, and that inexperience is more likely to lead to an accident. If you or someone you love was hit by a teen driver, it’s time to contact a Dallas teen driving accident lawyer.
Our Dallas car accident lawyers know what it takes to handle these types of cases. We are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve for your damages. To learn more about your legal options, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online to get a FREE consultation with the best attorney for your needs.
Why Teen Driving Accidents Are So Common
According to the teen drivers factsheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Over 2,300 teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 in the United States were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2017. (This equals six teens in this age group dying every day from motor vehicle accidents.)
- Around 300,000 teens were treated for injuries in emergency departments for crashes the same year.
- Also in 2017, teenagers between 15-19 years old made up 6.5% of the U.S. population, but the same age group made up nearly 8% of the total costs from fatal and non-fatal auto accident injuries.
Teen-related accidents are clearly a common problem. Here are some of the main reasons why.
Cell Phone Use
Many teenagers today are constantly glued to their phones, which puts distraction at their fingertips — even while driving. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous, especially when the driver is inexperienced.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Seat belts save lives, but too many teens forgo wearing one because they don’t realize the severity of the situation. More than half of teenagers who have died in accidents were not restrained with a seat belt.
Excessive Speeds
Many teen accidents involve speeding. When a teen driver is traveling faster than the posted speed limit (or beyond what’s necessary for the current driving conditions), they are more likely to make mistakes and not have time to react to potential hazards.
Drinking and Driving
Although the rates of drunk teen driving have thankfully gone down in recent years, they are still an issue. Teenagers with alcohol in their system are significantly more likely to cause accidents than those driving while sober.
Distractions From Friends
Many teen drivers love the freedom that comes with being able to drive somewhere with their friends. However, having other young people in the car increases the risk of serious distractions that can quickly lead to an accident — and the risk gets higher as the number of teen passengers rises.
Leading Causes of Teen Driving Accidents
Teen driving accidents can happen for many different reasons, but the most common ones include:
- Distracted driving
- Inexperience with driving
- Driving at night
- Having teen passengers
- Failing to wear seat belts
- Reckless driving
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
It’s important for parents to discuss these risks with their teens before allowing them to regularly drive on Dallas roads. Teenagers need to understand the importance of driving safely and without distraction.
If you were injured in a teen driving accident, even if the at-fault party was a teen, the responsible party should be held responsible. Our Dallas car accident lawyers can help you build an injury claim to seek compensation for your costs. To schedule a FREE consultation, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online today.
Texas Graduated Driver License Program for Teenagers
In 2002, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) implemented a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program to help new drivers improve their driving abilities a little at a time. Since drivers have to complete different phases to move forward, the program is meant to help reduce the number of teen driving accidents in Texas.
The GDL phases are as follows:
- Phase One (Learner License): Drivers under the age of 18 must have a learner license (or minor restricted driver license) for at least six months before getting a provisional license. If the driver’s learner license gets suspended, they must add on the number of days of suspension to the six-month period.
- Phase Two (Provisional License): When a driver has reached 16 years old, has held their learner license for six months, has completed a classroom and driving portion of their driver education, and has completed Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) requirements, they can take a driving test to get their provisional license.
Teen drivers with a provisional license still cannot:
- Drive between the hours of midnight and 5 am unless it’s necessary for work, a medical emergency, or a school-related activity
- Drive with more than one passenger under the age of 21 (unless they are a family member)
- Use a wireless communication device while driving (even if it’s hands-free) if they are under the age of 18
Although specific restrictions are put on teen drivers, accidents unfortunately still happen. If you were injured because of a teenager driver’s mistakes, you should not have to pay.
Your Legal Options After Being Hit By a Teen Driver
All drivers in Texas — including teen drivers — have a duty to drive carefully and not put others in harm’s way. So, when a teenager driver causes an accident that leaves you injured, you have options.
In most cases, you can file a personal injury claim with the teen driver’s insurance company. Since the driver is still a minor, they will likely be covered under their parents’ insurance policy. A Dallas teen driving accident lawyer can help you gather the correct information and file a claim through the insurer.
Insurance companies rarely make the claims process easy. The insurance adjuster will look for ways to reduce what they have to pay you, including trying to blame you for the accident or downplay your damages. This is where a lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you are seeking the fullest financial recovery possible.
Get a Free Consultation with a Dallas Teen Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Our Dallas car accident lawyers have helped countless injury victims win what they deserve after an accident they did not cause. Our lawyers approach each case with compassion, understanding, and the experience needed to fight for your rights. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk to get started.
To schedule a FREE, no-risk consultation as soon as possible, call us at (469) 998-4069 or contact us online today.