The number of fatal car crashes involving 16 – 19 year olds is increasing. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers across the United States, with traffic accident rates for 16 to 19 year old drivers being higher than those of any other age group. If you are the parent of a teenage driver, remind your teen to drive carefully.
Thanks to school being out and parties being in, the summer season is generally known to be more dangerous for drivers and commuters to be out on California roads. More drivers means more cars which can mean more accidents. Unfortunately, being involved in a car accident can entail serious consequences. Aside from property damage, both drivers and passengers can suffer various personal injuries, from scrapes and bruises, to spine injuries, fractures and even head trauma and brain injury, and even death.
Teenage driver fatalities (age 16-19) has also increased in recent years, with male teenagers making up 71% of teen driver fatalities. The primary risk factors include:
(1) Poor hazard detection; (2) Low risk perception; (3) Risk taking; (4) Not wearing seat belts; (5) Lack of skill; (6) Alcohol and drugs; (7) Carrying passengers; and (8) Night driving. Texting and driving also certainly makes the list.
In cases like teenage negligent driving or drunk driving, more often than not, the parties involved in these collisions don’t survive the car crash, especially if the vehicle accident involves a head on collision or a crash at high speed. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident with a drunk driver or otherwise negligent driver, discuss your legal rights with an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer.
The victim of a Los Angeles car accident may have a right to claim damages against the negligent driver. Aside from property damage for the damage or destruction of the involved vehicle, car accident victims are also entitled to actual medical costs, future medical care, loss of earnings and pain and suffering. For more information on the type of financial recovery you could obtain, reach out to an aggressive personal injury lawyer today.
The skilled attorneys at BIKLAW understand the law and your rights. Contact them today to determine your potential financial recovery for injuries suffered in a car accident.