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BEST TEEN DRIVING ACCIDENT LAWYER NEAR ME

Huntsville Teen Accident Attorney Near Me

Fatal car accidents are one of the top causes of death among teens in the state of Alabama. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of six teenagers die from car accident injuries every single day. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), young drivers are almost four times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash. When a teen causes a serious vehicle crash, the outcome can be devastating for the families of everyone involved, particularly if injuries in teen car accidents are fatal. If you or someone you know has been injured in a teen driving accident, call Ferguson & Ferguson today. We offer the lowest fee guarantee in Alabama. We also offer a no-obligation, free consultation on all car accident cases. Call today at 256-534-3435.

Teen Driving Statistics

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

–Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death for U.S. teens in 2017.
–In 2019, 2,375 teenagers ages 13-19 died in motor vehicle crashes.
In 2014, 221,313 teens were treated in emergency rooms for injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes.
– The risk of motor vehicle crashes for this age group is higher than for any other age group.
– Per mile driven, this age group is nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.
– When teen drivers have teenage passengers with them, the risk of a motor vehicle crash increases compared to that of supervised teen drivers

Causes of Teen Accidents

The main causes of teen accidents include the following:

1. Driver inexperience
2. Distracted driving kills 11 teens a day.
3. Not wearing seat belts
4. Drinking and driving
5. Reckless driving
6. Speeding
7. Drugs
8. Illegal turns
9. Tailgating
10. Racing
11. Driving with teen passengers
12. Texting
13. Night Driving

Essential Driving Tips For Teenage Drivers

1. Always use a seatbelt.
Regardless of how brief the travel is, develop the practice of wearing your seatbelt. One of the easiest and most efficient methods to protect oneself in an accident is to wear a seatbelt.

2. Maintain Concentration
Your cell phone, other people, or even the radio might cause distractions. It can be difficult to avoid distractions, so maintaining focus is essential. Pull over safely first if you need to send a text or make a call.

3. Adhere to the posted speed limit
The purpose of speed restrictions is to keep you and other drivers safe. In addition to keeping you secure, adhering to them provides you more time to react to unexpected events.

4. Steer clear of drunk driving
Never operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs. If you don’t intend to stay sober, arrange for a designated driver or use a ridesharing service. It is essential for your protection as well as the safety of others.

5. Make Time for Sleep
Lack of sleep can make driving just as risky as driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Fatigue brought on by bad sleeping habits might make a motorist nod off or lose concentration while operating a motor vehicle. If you feel sleepy, it’s crucial to stop and take a break in a safe location.

6. Maintain a Safe Distance
Keep a safe following distance from the car ahead of you at all times. It is never a good idea to tailgate. If the car suddenly stops or slows, you will have enough time to respond.

7. Make Use of Turn Signals
When turning, merging, or changing lanes, always indicate your intentions. This helps avoid collisions by informing other drivers of your plans.

8. Exercise Caution in Adverse Circumstances
Visibility and traction can be significantly impacted by rain, snow, and fog. In these circumstances, especially when there may be ice on the roadways, drive more slowly and cautiously.

9. Understand Your Car
Learn how to operate the headlights, brakes, danger lights, and windshield wipers on your vehicle. You can feel more at ease when driving and respond more effectively in an emergency if you know how your car operates.

10. Drive defensively
Be mindful of your surroundings at all times. Keep an eye out for other drivers’ movements and be ready to respond accordingly. To scan the road, remain vigilant and keep your eyes moving.

Alabama Teen Driving Accident FAQs

What should I do after a teen-driver accident in Alabama?

Call 911, request medical assistance, move to safety if possible, and exchange driver and insurance information. Photograph the vehicles, road, traffic controls, injuries, and surroundings, obtain witness contacts, and preserve the crash report, medical records, and insurance communications.

What commonly causes teen driving accidents?

Common causes include driver inexperience, distraction and texting, speeding, impairment, fatigue, reckless driving, unsafe turns, tailgating, racing, nighttime driving, poor weather decisions, and distraction from teen passengers.

Can a teen driver be held responsible for causing a crash?

Yes. A licensed teen driver generally has the same duty as other motorists to drive reasonably and follow traffic laws. Liability depends on evidence showing negligence, causation, and damages.

Can a parent be liable for a teen driver’s accident?

Potentially. A parent or guardian may face liability under fact-specific theories involving vehicle ownership, permission, agency, negligent entrustment, supervision, or other Alabama law. Parenthood alone does not automatically establish liability.

What is negligent entrustment in a teen-driver case?

Negligent entrustment may be alleged when a vehicle owner permits someone they knew or should have known was incompetent or unsafe to drive. Evidence may concern licensing, driving history, impairment, inexperience, prior incidents, restrictions, and the owner’s knowledge.

Does vehicle ownership affect liability after a teen accident?

Vehicle ownership can affect insurance coverage and potential legal theories, but ownership alone may not establish fault. Registration, permission, control, family or employment relationships, and policy terms should be examined.

Can distraction or texting be proven after a teen crash?

Potential evidence includes phone records, device data, app activity, vehicle infotainment records, witness statements, admissions, video, social media, and the timing and circumstances of the collision. Appropriate records should be preserved promptly.

Can teen passengers affect a young driver’s responsibility?

Passengers can create distraction or relate to license restrictions, but their presence does not by itself prove negligence. Investigators may examine conversations, seating, supervision, phone use, driver conduct, and compliance with applicable restrictions.

What if the teen driver violated a license restriction?

A restriction violation may be relevant evidence, but its effect depends on the rule, the circumstances, and whether the violation contributed to the crash. Licensing records and the driver’s age and status should be verified.

What evidence should be preserved after a teen-driver accident?

Preserve photographs, video, witness information, the crash report, vehicle event data, phone and app records, license and restriction information, insurance policies, vehicle ownership records, medical records, damaged property, and proof of lost income.

What injuries are common in teen-driver crashes?

Injuries may include concussions and traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, fractures, spinal injuries, chest and abdominal trauma, internal bleeding, lacerations, soft-tissue injuries, disability, and death.

Can an injured passenger make a claim against a teen driver?

Potentially. An injured passenger may have a claim against a negligent teen driver, another involved motorist, or another responsible party. Available insurance and any defenses depend on the facts, relationships, and policy terms.

What if my own teenager was injured while driving?

Claims may exist against another negligent driver or other responsible party. Coverage may also be available through medical-payments, collision, uninsured or underinsured motorist, household, or other policies, subject to their terms and Alabama law.

Should I give an insurer a recorded statement after a teen accident?

Use caution. An insurer may ask about fault, speed, distraction, passengers, restrictions, seat-belt use, symptoms, or prior conditions before all evidence is available. Report the crash as required, but consider obtaining advice before giving a recorded statement.

Can uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage apply?

It may apply when the responsible driver has no insurance or insufficient limits. Coverage could arise through the occupied vehicle, the injured person’s policy, or another applicable household policy, subject to policy language, notice requirements, and Alabama law.

How does Alabama’s contributory-negligence rule affect a teen accident claim?

Alabama generally follows a strict contributory-negligence rule. A defendant may argue that negligence by the injured person bars recovery, making evidence about speed, signals, distraction, seat-belt issues, lane position, braking, and right of way important.

What damages may be available after a teen-driver accident?

Depending on liability and proof, damages may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation and future-care costs, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, loss of consortium, property damage, and other documented losses.

What if the teen driver was working when the crash happened?

An employer or business may be responsible if the driver was acting within the scope of work or if negligent hiring, training, supervision, or vehicle maintenance contributed. Work schedules, delivery records, communications, and company policies may be relevant.

How long do I have to file a teen accident lawsuit in Alabama?

Many Alabama personal-injury claims are subject to a two-year limitations period, but exceptions and different rules involving minors or particular defendants may apply. The exact deadline should be evaluated promptly based on the claimant, parties, and facts.

Which Ferguson & Ferguson office handles Alabama teen accident cases?

Ferguson & Ferguson serves teen accident clients through its verified Huntsville office at 303 Williams Avenue SW, Suite 321, Huntsville, Alabama 35801, and Decatur office at 211 Oak Street NE, Decatur, Alabama 35601.

Why Hire Ferguson & Ferguson

If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by a reckless teenager, call our law firm at 256-534-3435 for a free phone or office consultation. Our phones are answered 24/7. There’s never a fee unless we get money for you, so call today!

Huntsville Office Location:
303 Williams Avenue SW
Suite 321
Huntsville, AL 35801

Decatur Office Location:
211 Oak Street
Decatur, AL 35601

You cannot get any better than Jackie.

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- Shane

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“Very professional and courteous. They kept me informed and walked things through step by step. Took care of my case in a timely manner as well. I’m very pleased.”

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“Randy took good care of our son in his case. He is nothing but the best. If You ever need someone who you can count on to do his best for you, he is the one to pick. Thank You for your fine job!”

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- Joseph Morgan
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