Charlotte Teenage Driver Accident Attorneys

Compassionate Counsel, Aggressive Advocacy

Obtaining a driver’s license is a milestone in the lives of American teenagers everywhere and is the first step many will take towards adulthood. Unfortunately, countless teenagers who are new to driving on North Carolina roads get into car accidents for a variety of reasons, including lack of experience. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young drivers. Car accident claims involving teenagers are also often complicated, as many wonder whether their parents are the ones to be held responsible for any injuries caused. Our Charlotte teenage driver accident attorneys are available to help you navigate these complicated claims. Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A. has over three decades of experience that we can use to provide guidance during an emotional and confusing time. You can trust our proven track record of success.

Our lawyers have years of experience in handling teen driving accident cases. Call us to learn more about the laws applicable to teens in North Carolina at (704) 377-3737, or contact us online.

Common Causes of Teen Accidents

There are a number of common factors involved in teen driving accidents, the most obvious of which is the fact that teenagers have a lack of driving experience. Many have just secured their license after practicing on roads for a few months, and some have never attempted to drive on highways. As a result, they are less likely to quickly respond to an emergency situation and more likely to make judgment errors that put other drivers in danger.

Some common causes of accidents include:

• Driving under the influence: In most states, it’s illegal for minors to drive with any detectable level of alcohol in their bloodstream. Alcohol, drugs, and even prescription medications can reduce the reaction times for drivers, as well as impair their judgment. Teens are more prone to risky behaviors like driving under the influence.
• Texting and driving: These days nearly all teenagers have smartphones that they use to text, go on social media, or make phone calls, and they often texts while driving. This is extremely dangerous, as driving requires drivers to be focused on the road and their surroundings at all times to respond to things like slowed traffic or a sudden hazard.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Teen drivers who speed are more at risk of being involved in a car accident because of their inexperience. For instance, teens may be unsure of how to navigate a sharp turn while speeding.

Dangers of Texting & Driving

Knowing and understanding the statistics about distracted driving can help families and their teens prevent accidents. While distracted driving is common among all drivers, it’s especially prevalent among teens who lack experience and are more likely to take risks on the road. In 2017, nearly 40% of all high school students reported texting or emailing while they were driving in the past month.

Teens who are on their phones may not have time to see and respond to stopped traffic, resulting in serious rear-end accidents that can involve multiple cars. If teens are speeding, this can cause catastrophic, or serious, injuries like severed limbs, burns, spinal cord and neck injuries like paralysis, and head and brain injuries.

Pursue the compensation you need by calling our Charlotte teen driver accident attorneys at (704) 377-3737 for a free consultation in English or Spanish.