Atlanta Teen Driver Accident Lawyer

The aftermath of a car accident is often a disorienting and stressful experience. When that accident is caused by a young, perhaps still-learning driver, the situation can feel even more complex. It is important to understand that accidents involving teen drivers are a large issue in Georgia, and in most states. If you were in an accident caused by an inexperienced or distracted teen driver, contact our personal injury attorneys at 404-975-1775 to learn about your legal rights.

The experienced Atlanta teen driver accident lawyer team at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm are standing by to help handle your accident case, explain your rights, and fight on your behalf for fair compensation.

Decoding the Data: How Often Do Teen Drivers Cause Accidents in Georgia?

While teen drivers aged 15 to 20 represent 8% of all licensed drivers in the state, they account for 10% of all drivers involved in motor vehicle crashes and 8% of those involved in fatal crashes. In 2020, teen drivers were involved in 13% of all fatal car accidents across Georgia which unfortunately indicates that accidents by teen drivers significantly cause the state’s traffic fatalities.. Over the decade from 2012 to 2021, a total of 1,771 teen drivers were involved in fatal car accidents in Georgia, while the longer-term view indicates that while there has been a recent decrease, the overall prevalence of these accidents remains a concern.

Why Are Teen Drivers More Prone to Accidents in Georgia?

Several common factors contribute to the higher incidence of car accidents involving teen drivers in Georgia (and likely all across the U.S.).

Lack of Experience

One of the most significant is their lack of driving experience. New drivers simply haven’t had the time to develop the crucial skills and intuitive understanding of road conditions and vehicle dynamics that come with years behind the wheel. This inexperience can lead to errors in judgment with speed, distance, right of way, and blind spots.

Distracted Driving

Another considerable factor for teen drivers is distracted driving. In Georgia, 36% of young drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in a traffic crash were confirmed or suspected of driving while distracted. This high percentage highlights the widespread nature of this dangerous behavior among young drivers. Distracted driving can lead to many different types of accidents when teens aren’t paying attention to the road, which could cause severe injuries.

Speeding

Speeding is another common factor that causes teen driving accidents. Teen drivers are more likely to speed compared to drivers in other age groups and, consequently, are involved in more speeding-related crashes. High speed crashes tend to be more severe than crashes that involve cars going the speed limit, and therefore makes teen drivers who speed that much more dangerous on the roads.

Social Driving

As a young person, driving offers a sense of independence that is highly desired. It is common for young drivers to travel with a car full of their peers. And even if everyone is behaving, the music is low, and all the rules are being followed, accidents are more likely to happen with the increased distraction of more bodies in the vehicle.

The Legal Concept of Negligence in Georgia

In the context of car accidents, including those caused by teen drivers, the legal concept of negligence is often central to determining who is at fault and therefore responsible for the resulting damages in Georgia. Negligence, in legal terms, refers to the failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. To establish negligence in a car accident case, several elements must be proven.

• Duty of care – First, there must be a duty of care, which in the case of driving a vehicle, is the duty of every driver to drive in a safe manner and obey the traffic laws of the road.
• Breach of duty – Second, there must be a breach of the duty. In the case of teen drivers, the breach could be distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence.
• Causation – The breach must then be the causation of the accident that you were injured from.
• Damages – And finally you must have suffered actual damages. These damages can include physical injuries, property damage to their vehicle, lost wages due to being unable to work, medical expenses incurred for treatment, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident.

If it can be demonstrated that a teen driver was negligent and that their negligence directly caused an accident that resulted in damages, then the teen driver (and potentially their parents or guardians in certain situations under Georgia law) can be held legally responsible for compensating the injured victim for those damages.

It is important to note that in order to file charges against someone, you must be determined to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. This is usually done by an insurance adjuster or a judge, or police officers. If you are more than 50% at fault, then you will be barred from seeking compensation in court. The percentage you are determined to be at fault will then be reduced from any compensation you are awarded. Proving negligence and seeking damages can be a complicated process, and you may not even know all of the damages you need to file!

By contacting an Atlanta teen driver accident lawyer at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm at 404-975-1775, or online, we can go over the details of your case for free and provide you with experienced representation.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident Involving a Teen Driver

If you or your family have been negatively impacted by a car accident in Atlanta, it is important to remember that you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Understanding your rights and exploring your legal options is a crucial step in the recovery process, and we are here to help.

Taking the step to seek legal counsel from experienced professionals like Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can provide you with the support and guidance you need to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Compensation Available for Victims

The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to make the injured party “whole” again, as much as possible, by providing financial compensation for the losses they have suffered. Common types of damages that can be claimed in such cases include medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, or property damage. These damages do not apply to just expenses that have already occurred, but if your injuries are severe enough, you may need extra medical treatment, or you may lose your job due to your injuries.

If this is the case, compensation should be sought for any future wages you would have earned, and any expected medical bills you may have. Depending on the specific circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries, other types of damages may also be available. These could include things like loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, or compensation for disfigurement or scarring. It is important to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced personal injury attorney from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm to understand all the types of damages you may be entitled to claim.

A Message for Parents of Young Drivers

Is there anything scarier than your teen getting behind the wheel? A significant milestone in their childhood, for most parents, obtaining a driver’s license creates mixed emotions of fear and anxiety.

We have seen our fair share of accidents involving teenagers. As part of our job we hear many sad stories of accidents that didn’t have to happen, lives that were lost, and serious injuries that ended athletic contracts and changed the trajectory of many lives.

As you navigate teaching your teen to be a safe driver, we encourage you to establish your own rules in addition to the laws of the road. Implementing a curfew, limiting the amount of passengers allowed in the vehicle, and even installing tracking devices that monitor speed and location can all be helpful conversations that may just save their life.

An Atlanta Teen Driver Accident Lawyer at Our Firm Can Help Answer Your Questions

Merritt & Merritt Law Firm is a well-established and respected legal practice in Georgia with a strong history of representing individuals who have been injured in car accidents. Our compassionate attorneys have over 40 years of experience, and will walk you step by step through the legal process of your case so you can worry about what matters, which is recovering from your injuries and getting back to your life.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a teen driver in Georgia, we can help. Call 404-975-1775 or reach out online to schedule an initial meeting that provides an opportunity to discuss the circumstances of your accident, learn more about your legal rights, and understand how their experienced attorneys can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at 404-975-1775 for a no-risk and free phone call.