Teenagers are the age group most likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Teenage drivers not only lack experience behind the wheel and the instincts to quickly react to potential risks, but they also have a tendency to not adequately recognize dangerous behaviors or situations. Teens often play the radio loudly, text or talk on their phones behind the wheel, or drive after drinking and may not fully understand the risks of accidents. Teens are also often in accidents when they are traveling in groups, as many of the teens injured in accidents are passengers. If your teenager has suffered injury in an auto accident, an experienced Coweta County auto accident lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
To try to prevent teen accidents, Georgia allows teens to have only limited driving privileges until they gain more experience. After holding an instructional permit for 12 months, teens ages 16-18 will receive an intermediate license with the following restrictions:
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
- Passengers must be a member of the immediate family for 6 months
- Only one passenger under the age of 21 for the next 6 months
- Only three passengers under age 21 for the rest of the intermediate license period
- Must attend school regularly
- Cannot have drug or violent criminal charges
Though intermediate licenses have reduced the amount of teen accidents, motor vehicle accidents are still the leading cause of death for teens ages 15-20.
Contact a Coweta County personal injury attorney for a free consultation
Even if teen drivers are properly supervised and follow all of the rules regarding their limited licenses, accidents still happen. If your teen suffers injuries in a motor vehicle accident caused by another person’s negligence, you deserve to recover for all of the costs related to their injuries, as well as any pain and suffering they may have experienced. Do not delay in contacting an experienced auto accident attorney at Shane Smith Law to discuss a possible case. Call (980) 246-2656 to schedule a free consultation.