Teen Driver Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are almost three times more likely than drivers age 20 and over to be involved in a fatal crash. Teen drivers are some of the most accident-prone motorists on the road and North Providence teen drivers are no different. Every day six teenagers, ages 16 to 19, die from motor vehicle accident injuries in the U.S. Providence, Rhode Island injury attorney David Tapalian helps North Providence residents recover damages for their personal injuries caused by car accidents, including North Providence teen driver accidents.

Although earning a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many excited teenagers, it is often not looked upon with as much gravity as it should be. Due to their inexperience, teenagers are more likely than adults to underestimate critical situations or recognize road hazards. They are also more likely than adults to make judgement errors that can lead to a serious crash. To many teens, gaining a RI driver’s license is an opportunity to ride around with friends and show off their new skills. Teenage males are the most at risk for teen driver automobile accidents and are two times more likely to have a fatal crash than female teens. Newly licensed teenagers are at highest risk of a car crash during their first few months of obtaining a driver’s license. Teens may look forward to carpooling to school or being able to drive a friend to an after-school job, but unfortunately the presence of other teen passengers in the car with a teenage driver increases the crash risk resulting in personal injury. The risk increases along with the number of teen passengers. As North Providence teen driver accident lawyers, we have seen the results of severe crashes caused by teen drivers and the devastation they can leave behind.

Teenage drivers are riskier and more likely than adult drivers to drive at a high-speed and to underestimate the amount of space that needs to be left between two vehicles. Teens also have one of the lowest rates of seat belt use. A 2015 national survey reported that 20% of teens had ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol. The risk of a motor vehicle accident is obviously much higher when the driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, but the danger is even higher when that driver is a teen. The accident lawyers at Tapalian Law have seen an uptick in car accidents due to distracted driving, specifically cell phone usage like texting, by teenagers which can have devastating consequences.

Rhode Island implemented a graduated licensing system designed to put limits on drivers under the age of 20 and thereby reduce the risk of teen driver accidents. The limits gradually lift as the new driver gains experience. As the Rhode Island teen driver gains experience and successfully meets the criteria of each level, they graduate to a less restrictive type of license and eventually reach a full unrestricted Rhode Island driver’s license. The levels begin with a Rhode Island Limited Instructional Permit, followed by a Rhode Island Limited Provisional License, and finally a State of Rhode Island Full Operator License.

At Tapalian Law, our injury attorneys are highly experienced with helping victims of personal injury, including car crashes caused by teenage drivers, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, and dog bites. We understand the physical and emotional toll an injury can have on a person as well as their family. Being involved in an accident is never expected and can be shocking. During such a difficult time, you need a personal injury attorney who you can trust to guide you in the right direction. Attorney David Tapalian has helped North Providence, Rhode Island residents seek compensation for their injuries caused by the negligence of another. Although being rewarded damages can’t change the fact that you are hurt, it can help to alleviate some of the monetary stress caused by your injuries, such as lost wages and outstanding medical bills. Severe injuries can also result in the need for long-term care and future surgeries down the road so it is important you have an experienced injury lawyer like David Tapalian on your side to fight for what is fair and just. If you have been hurt in a car accident caused by a teen driver, seek the assistance of a North Providence teen driver accident attorney. Tapalian Law provides a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us today at 401-552-5000, or reach us online.