Teen drivers are involved in more collisions in Mississippi than any other age group. In addition to overall inexperience, teenagers are more likely to participate in distracted driving and other risky behaviors behind the wheel. If you or someone you love was hurt in a teen car accident in Jackson or elsewhere in Mississippi, reach out to an experienced Jackson teen car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Trying to navigate the legal system on your own can be challenging, especially while recovering from painful injuries. Let the Mississippi teen car accident lawyers at Derek L. Hall, PC protect your rights and defend your claim. From helping you find the right medical care to negotiating with insurance companies, our firm can assist you with all aspects of your injury claim. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.
Teenager Car Accident Statistics
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that 2,375 teenagers died in U.S. motor vehicle accidents in a single recent year. Approximately 258,000 were treated in emergency rooms for injuries sustained in teen car crashes that same year.
Other teen accident statistics show that:
- Two out of every three teens killed in car crashes in a recent year were males.
- Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of death among females between the ages of 13 and 19.
- The risk of car crashes is greater among teens aged 16 to 19 than any other age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Teen motorists in this age group are almost three times as likely as drivers 20 or older to be in a deadly car accident.
Common Injuries in Teen Car Accidents
A teen car crash can result in serious and catastrophic injuries, including:
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Facial and dental fractures
- Amputation
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Nerve damage
- Burns
Top Causes of Teen Driving Accidents
Getting a driver’s license is one of a teenager’s proudest moments. However, with their newfound independence also comes new responsibilities. Failure to follow Mississippi driving laws can lead to car accidents with severe consequences.
Leading causes of teen crashes include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Nighttime driving
- Traffic law violations
- Inexperience
- Immaturity
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Drowsy driving
- Not wearing a seat belt
- Riding with teen passengers
- Poor road conditions
Determining Fault in a Car Accident Involving a Teen in Mississippi
All motorists are required to operate their cars according to Mississippi traffic laws. Teen drivers are no different. They can be held accountable for the injuries that their negligent actions (or inactions) cause through a personal injury claim.
Although relatively uncommon, passengers in a teen driver’s vehicle can also be held liable for causing an accident under certain circumstances. For instance, if the passenger deliberately distracts the driver or somehow prevents them from driving safely, they may be at fault if their actions result in a collision.
Determining fault for a teen driving crash requires a thorough investigation to identify what happened and who is to blame. A car accident lawyer at Derek L. Hall, PC can help collect and preserve evidence to build a strong claim or lawsuit on your behalf.
Ways to Prevent Teen Car Accidents
Here are some safe driving tips to share with your teen:
- Wear a seatbelt. The CDC recently determined that at least 48 percent of teens and passengers involved in fatal crashes were not wearing a seat belt. Studies show that seat belts significantly reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths.
- Practice driving as much as possible. Spend extra time training to drive in high-risk conditions, such as inclement weather. This can boost a teen driver’s confidence behind the wheel and improve their ability to react calmly to dangerous road conditions. Rainy weather, road hazards, and rush-hour traffic all make driving more dangerous. The more your teen practices with parental supervision, the better.
- Don’t drink and drive. By law, no one under the age of 21 is permitted to drink alcohol. Driving while intoxicated is not only against the law, it is also reckless and potentially deadly.
- Don’t speed. Leaving early can ensure a teen driver has enough time to get to their destination safely. And it’s better to arrive late than to speed and risk causing a crash or getting a ticket.
- Don’t text and drive. Texting while driving is exceptionally dangerous, which is why many states — though not Mississippi — ban this activity. Texting is considered the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it takes your eyes, hands, and mind off the road. You cannot drive safely unless you give it your complete attention.
- Limit the number of passengers in your vehicle. Research indicates that the likelihood of a teen car crash increases with each additional passenger in the vehicle. Begin by limiting the number of passengers in your teen’s car to one or two. Once they get more accustomed to driving with other people in the vehicle, you can increase the number of passengers they’re allowed.
- Avoid driving at night if possible. The risk of a crash is much greater at night. If possible, avoid letting your teen drive when it’s dark until they have more experience behind the wheel.
Contact an Experienced Teen Car Accident Attorney in Jackson, MS for Help
Have you been hurt in a teen driving crash in Mississippi? The car accident attorneys at Derek L. Hall, PC can help you seek compensation for losses like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Call now at 601-202-2222 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
