Teen car accidents are a significant issue in the United States, with crashes being the leading cause of death for this age group. In 2019, car crashes claimed the lives of 2,375 teenagers aged 13 to 19, and an estimated 245,000 were treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries. Due to their inexperience, risk-taking behavior, and distracted driving, teenagers are more likely to be involved in car accidents.
Car accidents can be traumatic and life-changing events for everyone involved, with overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial consequences, especially if serious injuries or fatalities occur. In such cases, it may be necessary to seek legal assistance to protect the teenager’s rights and interests.
If you need a personal injury lawyer in Minnesota, you can seek assistance from 1-800-Injured. It is an attorney and medical directory that can help you find legal resources in your area.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Here are some ways a lawyer can help in teen car accident cases:
Investigating the Accident
A lawyer can investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review police reports to build a strong case. This can be particularly important if the other driver was at fault, as their insurance company may try to shift the blame to the teen.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlement amounts to accident victims. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the teen to ensure that they receive fair compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Representing You in Court
If the case goes to court, a lawyer can represent the teen and argue their case before a judge or jury. They can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make a compelling case for why the teen should be awarded compensation for their injuries and damages.
Helping You Understand Your Rights
Teens involved in car accidents may not have a clear understanding of their legal rights. Engaging the services of a lawyer can be helpful as they can provide guidance on the legal process, explain the teen’s rights, and recommend appropriate actions.
Ensuring You Receive Appropriate Medical Care
A lawyer can assist in ensuring that the teenager receives the necessary medical treatment for their injuries. They can collaborate with medical experts to assess the extent of the injuries, determine the required treatments, and estimate the associated costs.
Holding the Responsible Party Accountable
In case the other driver is responsible for the accident, a lawyer can help to hold them accountable for their actions. This can send a message that reckless driving is not acceptable and prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
Causes of Teen Car Accidents
Regrettably, teen car accidents remain a prevalent issue in the United States, and various factors contribute to these incidents. The most common causes of teen car accidents in Minnesota include:
Inexperience: Teen drivers are inexperienced on the road and may not have the necessary skills to handle unexpected driving situations.
Distracted driving: Teenagers may get easily distracted while driving, including by phones, friends in the car, or anything else that takes their attention away from the road.
Speeding: Teenagers may feel invincible and not completely understand the dangers associated with speeding.
Impaired driving: Teenagers who consume alcohol or drugs may make poor decisions while driving, endangering themselves and others.
Reckless driving: Some teenagers may engage in reckless driving behaviors such as racing, weaving in and out of traffic, or ignoring traffic signals.
Poor weather conditions: Teenagers may lack the knowledge of how to drive in adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, which can lead to accidents.
It is important for parents and guardians to take an active role in preventing teen car accidents. They should have open conversations with their teenagers about the risks of driving and stress the importance of safe driving practices. Furthermore, it is recommended that teens receive thorough driver education and training before they begin driving. By addressing these issues, we can strive to reduce the number of teen car accidents and improve overall road safety. In the event of a car accident involving a teenager, seeking the help of a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial.
Work With a Teen Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents involving teenagers pose a serious concern in the US, and can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. In such a scenario, it’s crucial to seek legal help to protect the teen’s rights and interests. A Minnesota personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, represent the teenager in court, ensure they receive proper medical care, and hold the responsible party accountable.
While it is not mandatory to hire an attorney, it is advantageous. Most lawyers operate on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t charge unless they assist you in obtaining compensation. Contact 1-800-Injured to find a reliable attorney near you.