Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a major milestone for many teenagers. It represents freedom, independence, and a step toward adulthood. But with that freedom comes serious responsibility and, unfortunately, a higher risk of being involved in a car accident.
According to national and state statistics, teen drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes than any other age group. Teen drivers face a unique set of challenges that older drivers don’t.
They’re still learning how to judge distances, manage speed, and navigate unfamiliar situations.
When you combine that lack of experience with distractions like smartphones, loud music, or peer passengers, the risk of an accident increases dramatically.
At Hunter | Everage, our experienced York, SC car accident lawyers have helped families facing the aftermath of teenage car accidents, guiding them through the legal complexities. We know that when a teenager is hurt in a crash, the impact resonates far beyond where it happened. It ripples through a family’s finances and future.
Common Causes of Teenage Car Accidents
Teen drivers bring an incredible amount of enthusiasm and independence to the wheel, but that excitement can sometimes cloud judgment, leading to one of the leading causes of teenage car accidents. Here are some of the most common:
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Inexperience
It takes time to develop into a confident and skilled driver. Teenagers haven’t spent years navigating traffic, bad weather, or tricky intersections. They’re still learning how to make quick, smart decisions behind the wheel, and sometimes, they make the wrong ones.
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Distracted Driving
Phones, music, friends in the car, and distractions are everywhere. Even a glance at a text message can lead to a serious accident. Teens may think they can multitask, but no one can drive safely while distracted.
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Speeding
It’s not uncommon for teens to underestimate how fast they’re going or overestimate how well they can handle their car. Speeding, especially when combined with inexperience, is one of the top causes of teenage driving accidents.
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Peer Pressure
When a car full of teenagers hits the road, it can quickly turn into a distraction-filled environment. Loud music, joking around, or encouraging reckless behavior can lead to split-second decisions that have lifelong consequences.
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Driving Under the Influence
Although illegal, some teens still engage in underage drinking or drug use, and then make the poor decision to get behind the wheel.
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Night Driving
Driving at night is tough for even experienced drivers. Reduced visibility, fatigue, and more drunk drivers on the road make it especially dangerous for teens. A large percentage of teenage accidents happen after dark.
What to Do After a Teenage Car Accident
Here are the steps to take after a car accident involving a teenager in South Carolina.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your teen says they’re “fine,” always get them checked out. Symptoms like whiplash, concussions, or internal bruising might not appear right away. A medical record also helps link injuries to the crash.
- Call the Police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to have a police report on file. This is especially true in cases involving teenage car accidents, as insurance companies and attorneys will need this documentation to determine fault and liability.
- Call Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance provider and provide accurate details. Just explain what happened and share the police report number if you have it. Do not accept blame or speculate about fault.
- Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer: Teenage driving accidents can quickly become complicated, especially if injuries are involved or if someone accuses your child of causing the crash. We’ll investigate the accident, protect your teenager’s rights, and handle communication with the insurance company.
How South Carolina Law Addresses Teen Driver Safety
To help reduce the risks, South Carolina has implemented a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. This program is designed to gradually ease teens into the responsibilities of driving by allowing them to gain experience under lower-risk conditions.
The GDL system begins with a beginner’s permit, which teens can obtain at the age of 15. This permit requires the young driver to be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated in the front passenger seat.
After holding the permit for at least 180 days and completing a driver’s education course, the teen may apply for a conditional license at age 15 and a half. This license allows unsupervised driving during the day but imposes restrictions at night and limits the number of young passengers in the vehicle.
South Carolina law also prohibits drivers under 18 from using cell phones or other wireless devices while operating a motor vehicle. These rules aim to reduce distracted driving, which is one of the leading causes of teenage car accidents. There are also strict penalties for underage drinking and driving, including license suspension and hefty fines.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys in SC Can Help
Teenage car accidents can be complex. There might be questions about liability, especially if the other party tries to blame your teen because of their age or lack of experience.
We start by listening. Every accident is different, and we want to understand exactly what happened and how it’s impacted your family.
We dig into the details, such as reviewing police reports, speaking with witnesses, and gathering evidence, to make sure the truth comes out and your child’s rights are protected.
Insurance adjusters can be tough, especially when young drivers are involved. We’ll handle all communication and negotiations to ensure your family isn’t pressured into accepting a lowball offer.
Medical bills, therapy, and emotional trauma all add up. We work hard to recover the full compensation you and your child deserve, now and for the future.
Contact an Experienced York, SC Car Accident Lawyer
The causes of teenage driving accidents are well-documented, but each case is unique. That’s why we take the time to investigate the details, gather the facts, and build a case that reflects the truth of what happened.
It’s also important to recognize that while teens may make mistakes, they still have rights. Young drivers are unfairly blamed or pressured into quick settlements by insurance companies. With experienced attorneys on your side, you can ensure that your child’s future isn’t shaped by one difficult moment.
Teenage driving accidents are difficult for any family to deal with. If you’re in York, SC, we’re here to help. The attorneys at Hunter | Everage will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 704-377-9157 for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your case, address your concerns, and explore how we can assist you.