Fresno Teen Driving Accidents

Teen drivers in Fresno face unique risks every time they get behind the wheel. Understanding what makes teen driving risky helps everyone work toward a safer road for all. Knowing your rights and what steps to take after an accident involving a teenage driver is especially important if you are ever injured or your child is involved in a crash. An experienced Fresno car accident lawyer can help victims of teen driver accidents explore their legal options.

Teen Driving Statistics

Teen driving accidents are a major concern for families and communities across the country.

• Car accidents are the leading cause of annual death for teens in the United States.
• The number of teen drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in deadly crashes increased slightly from 518 in 2021 to 523 in 2022.
• Data also show that most of these tragic accidents happen on weekends, when teens are more likely to be driving with friends.

These statistics highlight just how dangerous it can be for teens to get behind the wheel. In addition to injuring or killing themselves, teen car accidents often cause harm to others on the road as well.

Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents and Deaths

Many car accidents involving teenagers can be traced back to a handful of risky driving habits. Some of the most common causes of teen driving accidents and deaths include the following:

Alcohol Consumption

Drinking and driving remains a serious danger for teens. There were 632 teen drivers killed in DUI-related crashes in 2022, an increase from 588 the year before.

Speeding

Excessive speed is a major cause of deadly crashes among young drivers. Data from 2022 shows 1,826 teen drivers died in crashes where speeding was a factor, emphasizing how urgent it is to focus on safe speed limits and better driving education for teens.

Distracted Driving

Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or talking to friends in the car take a teen’s focus off the road. In 2022, distracted driving led to the deaths of 296 teens. Studies indicate that texting behind the wheel makes a crash up to six times more likely, while calling doubles the risk.

Lack of Seat Belt Use

Teens consistently have some of the lowest rates of seat belt use. Half of the teen drivers killed in crashes in 2022 were not wearing seat belts.

If you've been involved in an accident with a teen driver, you could be entitled to compensation. Reach out today to learn more.

The Legal Consequences of Teen Driving Accidents

When teens are involved in car accidents, the legal aftermath can be complicated. Here’s what families and injured parties should know:

Liability for Teen Drivers and Their Parents

If a teen causes an accident, responsibility may rest on the shoulders of the teen, but it can also extend to their parents or whoever owns the car they were using. This is especially true if the adult knowingly allowed an inexperienced or reckless teen to drive the vehicle. Under certain circumstances, parents could be required to pay damages relating to the accident.

Penalties for Teen Drivers

A teen found responsible for an accident can face California penalties such as fines, points on their license, or even losing driving privileges for months. Some cases also result in court-ordered classes or additional restrictions on their ability to drive.

Because the legal and financial implications extend to both teens and their families, understanding these issues can help everyone stay protected before and after a crash. If you have any questions, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Fresno.