Green Bay teen driver car accident lawyerOn March 31, 2019, two 17-year-olds were injured in a car accident on 1-94 outside of Cottage Grove. According to Wisconsin state troopers, a driver lost control of their vehicle, hit the median, and collided with another vehicle. One of the teens suffered fatal injuries in the crash, and the other was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. For parents of teenage drivers, this collision served as a reminder of the risks that teens face when driving. If your child is injured in a car accident, it is important to seek out legal guidance immediately. 

The Risks of Teenage Driving 

In 2016, 2, 433 teenagers were killed in motor vehicle collisions throughout the United States, with an additional 292, 742 teens suffering injuries that required medical attention. In many cases, collisions involving teens occur due to the reckless actions of these or other drivers. Listed below are some of the most common mistakes that teenage drivers make: 

  • Drinking and Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous for any driver. Unfortunately, many teenage drivers make the mistake of drinking and driving. Throughout 2016, 15% of teenage drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle collisions had a blood alcohol content (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08. However, for drivers under the age of 21, driving with any amount of alcohol in their system is considered drunk driving. As a parent, it is incredibly important to have conversations with your teenage children regarding the risks of driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. 
  • Not Buckling In: In the event of a motor vehicle collision, a seat belt can be the thing that can save a person from significant injury or death. Here in the United States, teenage drivers and passengers are more likely to ride without their seat belt than any other age demographic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of teenage passengers do not regularly wear their seat belts. Having a conversation with your child about the benefits of seat belt usage can drastically decrease their risk of severe injury. 
  • Reckless Driving: We have all seen teenagers make reckless decisions, and unfortunately, that recklessness can translate to careless driving. Teenage drivers are more likely to speed, recklessly pass, and swerve from lane to lane. These types of actions can be especially dangerous in inclement weather. For parents throughout the state of Wisconsin, it is wise to speak with your teenage children about driving safely and cautiously, especially in snow and rain. 

Contact an Appleton Car Accident Lawyer 

Few things can cause a parent as much emotional turmoil as hearing that their child has been involved in a car accident. The effects of a car crash can range from minor bruises to life-threatening injuries. In the event of a motor vehicle collision, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we understand just how difficult a car accident injury can be for the entire family. As you and your teen work to heal from this tragedy, we will fight to secure the compensation you deserve from insurance companies or negligent drivers. To schedule a free initial meeting with a knowledgeable Green Bay personal injury attorney, call us today at 920-739-7366. 

Sources:

https://www.cbs58.com/news/17-year-old-from-shorewood-dies-in-three-car-crash-on-i-94-four-others-injured

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html