Managing Partner
The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reports that 203 young adult drivers were involved in car accidents every day during one recent year. That adds up to tens of thousands of teenage driving accidents each year. These collisions often take a heavy toll, including severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and years of mental health challenges. If you’re a teenage driver in Georgia, it’s crucial to learn from your peers’ experiences and do everything you can to prevent a life-altering crash.
Lesson 1: Wear Your Seat Belt
While Georgia law requires you to wear your seat belt, doing so is also crucial for preventing potentially fatal injuries in a crash. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 56 percent of teen drivers and passengers ages 16 to 19 killed in car crashes nationwide in one recent year were not wearing seat belts. Before you start your drive, make sure you’re wearing your seat belt and that anyone in the car with you is also wearing one.
Lesson 2: Speed Kills
Speeding is one of the most common factors in fatal car crashes in Georgia. CDC research indicates that teen drivers, particularly male drivers, are more likely to speed. During one recent year, about 35 percent of male drivers and 18 percent of female drivers ages 15-20 involved in fatal car crashes nationwide were speeding when the crash happened. For a real-world example, a teenage driver killed three people in a speeding accident in May 2024 in Alpharetta.
Lesson 3: Stay Sober to Stay Alive
Despite Georgia’s strict drunk driving laws and decades of public awareness campaigns, far too many teens get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. A CDC survey found that among U.S. high school students who drove, more than 5 percent did so after drinking at least once during the 30 days before taking the survey.
We see the deadly consequences of teenage drunk driving all too often in Georgia. For instance, an 18-year-old driver faces felony charges after killing two people in a March 2024 drunk driving crash in Toombs County.
Lesson 4: Your Parents Could Pay for Your Mistakes
One possible reason why many teens are involved in car accidents is that they don’t understand or worry about the potential consequences of their actions. However, you should know that your parents might bear the cost of your mistakes if you cause a crash.
Under Georgia’s Family Purpose Doctrine, your parents might be legally responsible for any injuries or property damage you caused, even if you were behind the wheel in a crash. If your parents own the car and let you use it, they are liable for any harm you cause. A car accident lawsuit could have disastrous consequences for your family, as they may have to pay for the other driver’s medical bills or other losses.
Lesson 5: Hire a Lawyer Immediately After a Crash
No matter how careful you are, you can’t control the actions of other drivers and fully prevent all accidents. If you’re involved in a crash, it’s vital to hire a lawyer right away. Insurance companies and courts often have an unfair bias against teenagers, meaning you might have a more challenging time recovering compensation or proving you didn’t cause the collision. An experienced Georgia car accident lawyer can protect your rights and help you recover fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Contact a Georgia Teen Driver Accident Lawyer Now
Joshua E. Palmer Law understands the challenges teen drivers face and can guide you through the legal process after an accident. Call our law firm now or reach out online for a free consultation.
