Car accidents caused by inexperienced teen drivers can have significant consequences, including severe physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. If a young and inexperienced driver injured you, it’s essential to understand your legal options for pursuing compensation for all your losses.
At the law firm of Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our North Carolina car accident attorneys have proudly served individuals and families in our community for over 40 years. If someone else’s carelessness hurt you, we’re here to help you seek the justice you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
How Inexperienced Drivers Are Defined
According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, any licensed driver with less than three years of driving experience is considered an “inexperienced operator.”
Teenage drivers can be particularly dangerous behind the wheel because they often lack the necessary skills, experience, and maturity to handle the challenges of driving. They are more likely to text while driving, speed, and ignore traffic laws than adults with more experience and maturity.
Teen drivers’ brain development and lack of experience with making decisions under stress also mean they are more likely to make poor choices that could lead to severe injury accidents.
Characteristics of an Inexperienced Driver
Just like adults, every teen driver is different. Some will have more experience and maturity than others, and their skills will likely improve as they become more comfortable behind the wheel.
In general, inexperienced drivers are more likely to show the following:
- Poor judgment and decision-making skills
- Limited understanding of traffic laws and regulations
- Lack of familiarity with vehicle controls and safety features
- Difficulty in predicting and reacting to potential hazards
- Tendency to engage in risky behaviors like texting while driving, speeding, and ignoring traffic signals
- Inability to handle adverse driving conditions, such as inclement weather or heavy traffic
- Lack of confidence and assertiveness on the road
Some of the most common causes of teen driving accidents include:
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, passengers, etc.)
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Inexperience and lack of driving skills
- Failing to obey traffic laws (ignoring stop signs/lights, etc.)
- Overconfidence in their driving abilities
- Inadequate supervision during the learning process
- Hazardous weather conditions
North Carolina Inexperienced Driver Car Accident Statistics
The statistics on teen drivers and accidents in North Carolina are highly concerning, with teenage drivers accounting for a significant number of injuries and fatalities. The Governor’s Highway Safety Program reports the following:
- Drivers ages 15-20 caused 15.7 percent of all crashes in North Carolina.
- Among the youngest drivers, females caused nearly the same number of crashes as males.
- Among drivers ages 18-20, male drivers caused 56 percent of crashes.
- Young drivers were more likely to be at fault for crashes they are involved in, at 68 percent, versus 48 percent for adult drivers ages 25-54.
How Our NC Teen Driver Accident Lawyers Can Help You
At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our injury lawyers understand the wide-ranging impact an accident caused by an inexperienced teen driver can have on your life and livelihood. We are here to help you seek full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other losses.
When you hire us, our team can help you by:
- Proving liability – Your attorney can investigate the crash to determine who was at fault and hold them responsible for the harm you’ve suffered.
- Maximizing compensation – Your lawyer can determine the full extent of your losses and seek full and fair compensation, including payment for medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more.
- Navigating insurance claims – Your lawyer can negotiate with the teen driver’s insurance company to seek a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to settle or makes a lowball offer, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Steps Parents Can Take to Teach Children Safe Driving Skills
Parents can play a crucial role in teaching their children to be safer drivers. Some tips for parents include:
- Lead by example. Show your teen driver how to drive safely, such as avoiding distractions and following traffic laws.
- Follow North Carolina’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements. The GDL program sets rules and restrictions on teen driving to help ensure young motorists gain experience and develop good driving habits. Make sure your teen driver follows all the program’s requirements.
- Limit distractions. Encourage your teen to avoid distractions while driving, including using a smartphone, grooming, or eating and drinking while driving.
- Set rules and consequences. Establish clear rules for your teen driver and enforce consequences for breaking them, such as revoking their driving privileges.
- Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. Explain the dangers and emphasize that it is never okay to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
- Encourage seat belt use. Make sure your teen always wears a seat belt and requires their passengers to do so as well.
- Monitor your teen’s driving. Use apps or other monitoring tools to keep track of your teen’s driving. Some apps allow you to review the vehicle’s speed and other performance indicators that might show aggressive or reckless driving.
Parents can help their teens learn to be safe and responsible drivers and prevent severe or potentially fatal crashes by taking these steps.
Contact Our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers for Help
If you have been hurt in a teen driving accident, the North Carolina car accident lawyers at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, are ready to help. We have over 40 years of experience and a reputation for outstanding service. Our trial attorneys have the knowledge, resources, and skills to help you seek the money you need to pay your medical bills, recoup lost wages, repair your vehicle, and move on with your life after a crash.
We are always ready to answer any questions you have about your rights and legal options after a crash. With our no-fee guarantee, you won’t pay us anything until we win your case. Don’t wait to get the qualified and compassionate legal help you need. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
