Fort Wayne, Indiana, car accident lawyers explain what parents and teen drivers should know.
With the holiday season right around the corner, now's a good time for parents to talk to teens about how to stay safe on the road and avoid causing a car accident, according to the Indiana State Police.
"Don't assume things, but sit down and talk about following the rules of the road and some of the dangers that can be presented," Indiana State Police Sgt. Ted Bohner said in an interview with ABC 57 News in Indiana.
Collisions caused by young drivers often occur in Indiana. The car accident attorneys at Glaser & Ebbs know because we have worked with many families dealing with the aftermath of serious crashes. If you were injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, or if you are the parent of a teen injured in a crash, contact our law firm today to review your potential legal options and see how we can help you.
Why do some teenagers cause collisions?
Car accidents caused by young drivers typically occur for three reasons. According to the Indiana State Police, those reasons are:
- Speeding – Young drivers who drive too fast often cause serious or fatal accidents. Specifically, one of three teenage drivers involved in a deadly collision was speeding. That's more than other age groups, which cause fatal car crashes due to speeding 25 percent of the time.
- Distracted driving – Whether texting while driving, using a phone, or with other teenagers in the car, distracted driving often plays a significant role in causing collisions involving teen drivers. Specifically, 10 percent of fatal accidents involving young drivers listed distracted driving as a factor.
- Drunk driving – Indiana parents might not believe their children are drinking and driving. But even though teens cannot legally consume alcohol, some do it anyway. Overall, 1 out of 5 fatal crashes involves a teen driver under the influence of alcohol.
What safety tips should parents tell teen drivers?
According to the Indiana State Police, here are some tips for parents with teen drivers:
- Set a good example for your teen by driving responsibly. "If we're driving, they're watching what we do," Bohner said. "So, it's very important to set that good example, follow the rules of the road, being a courteous driver and not being an aggressive driver."
- Make sure your family's vehicles are safe to operate. That means keeping it well-maintained (e.g., checking the tire pressure and tread, ensuring brakes are working correctly, etc.).
- Explain seasonal hazards, such as driving on wet leaves in the fall or snow and ice in the winter.
- Ensure your vehicle has an emergency safety kit, including reflective warning signs in case the car breaks down, jumper cables, and a flashlight. In the winter, your emergency kit should include a portable shovel, ice scraper, blanket, and cellphone charger.
- Warn young drivers about animals such as deer, which often dart out into the road at dusk or dawn.
Why should I hire a car accident attorney?
Serious car accidents can quickly turn into complicated legal cases. Even if your claim seems straightforward, don't assume that you will be fairly compensated for all your injury-related expenses. Make sure you fully understand all the legal options available to you. Make sure you talk to an experienced car accident lawyer right away.
At Glaser & Ebbs, our dedicated legal team can help you every step of the way. We know the laws that apply to collisions caused by other drivers in Indiana. We understand how the compensation system works and how to deal with insurance companies to advocate for the money our clients deserve.
Give your injury claim or lawsuit the best opportunity for success. Contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation with a car accident attorney you can count on when it matters most. We have six offices conveniently located throughout Indiana, including offices in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. In addition, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no fees unless we win your case.