Statistics show that teenage drivers are more likely than more experienced drivers to get into car crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car wrecks are the leading cause of death and injury in teens between the ages of 16 and 19. There are many reasons why teenagers are more likely to get into car wrecks: lack of experience, recklessness, and texting while behind the wheel are only some examples. While getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many people, inexperienced teen drivers continue to be a risky group on the road.
If you or someone you love experienced a collision with a teenage driver, you may be entitled to compensation. It is wise to enlist the help of a team of legal professionals who can investigate your case, develop the strongest argument possible, and navigate the legal system on your behalf. You do not need to face what comes next alone. Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya can skillfully represent you and help you seek the compensation you deserve after you have been injured in a teen driving accident in Wilmington.
Common Causes of Teenage Driving Wrecks
Every case is different, but some factors underlying the causes of crashes involving teenage motorists in Wilmington appear more frequently than others. They include:
- Distracted driving. Interacting with one’s phone—calling, texting, taking selfies, responding to emails—is a major form of distracted driving. Drivers are also often sidetracked by eating, talking to other passengers, and anything else requiring a motorist to take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel can be considered distracted driving. It only takes a few seconds for a serious wreck to happen.
- Driving under the influence. Taking drugs or drinking alcohol and then getting behind the wheel is dangerous for drivers of all ages, especially teens. These collisions are often fatal.
- Driver inexperience. New drivers lack the skill from experience that someone who has been on the roads for twenty-plus years has and may not know how to handle certain situations like avoiding obstacles in the road or driving in inclement weather.
Regardless of the cause of the collision, you have the right to explore your legal options. Our skilled attorneys can advise you of the next steps you can take after a teenage motorist has crashed into your vehicle.
Delaware Laws Affecting Teen Drivers
There are some local provisions that are pertinent to teenage drivers. Like many other states, teens in Delaware start driving with a graduated licensing system. Teenagers aged 16-18 can take a driver’s education course to obtain their level one learner’s permit. In order to get that permit, teens must submit an application with a sponsor’s signature. A sponsor can be a legal guardian, parent, or legally appointed custodian over the age of 25.
The sponsor is responsible for any damage a teen driver causes before they turn 18. The sponsor or supervisor is obligated to sit beside the teen driver any time the teenager is driving. Level one learner’s permit holders can drive with supervision only at certain times of the day. When the teen driver passes a year without hiccups, their permit becomes a Class D License.
In addition, Delaware also has required minimum insurance policies. Chatting with a Wilmington lawyer about your case is wise because the intricacies of laws specific to teenage drivers can affect who you hold responsible and how much your compensation could be.
Safety Tips For Teen Drivers
If you are a teenage driver or have loved ones who are, here are some essential safety tips to take into consideration:
- Learn how to check tires, fluids, lights, and other car parts to ensure your car is in safe working condition
- Regularly clean your windows and mirrors for visibility
- Properly adjust your mirrors prior to getting on the road
- Make sure everyone in the car, including you, is wearing a seatbelt
- Do not speed or tailgate
- Stay calm and do not engage in road rage
- Use appropriate turn signals
- Follow all traffic laws
- Do not drive if you have consumed drugs or alcohol
Taking preventative measures to avoid Wilmington wrecks and practicing safe driving habits will benefit everyone, including you.
Consult With an Attorney About Wilmington Teen Driving Wrecks
It is unfair to suffer due to someone else’s misconduct on the road, no matter how old the other driver is. There can be long-term consequences when a teenager is preoccupied with even the simplest of distractions for just a few seconds or if a situation happens on a road that they have no experience with. The attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya will help you seek accountability and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to after a teen driving accident in Wilmington. The first step is to call today.