When an accident happens, victims often face serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and insurance battles. A Corpus Christi car accident lawyer can help navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation if you or a loved one has been involved in a crash.
Inexperience and Poor Decision-Making
Teenagers simply don’t have the years of driving experience that help older drivers anticipate and react to hazards. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that newly licensed 16-year-olds are at the highest risk of crashing.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reinforces this, noting that in 2022 alone, there were over 10,000 crashes involving drivers aged 16-19 in Texas. Many of these accidents were due to misjudging speed, failing to yield, and overcorrecting—all common mistakes among inexperienced drivers.
Texas law recognizes the dangers of inexperience through its Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program. This system limits nighttime driving, passenger numbers, and phone use for drivers under 18. However, laws alone cannot prevent accidents caused by inexperience, and when a crash occurs, seeking help from an auto accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can be crucial in determining liability and pursuing a claim.
Distracted Driving: A Leading Cause of Teen Accidents
Distracted driving is a serious issue for all age groups, but teenagers are particularly susceptible. Cell phone use, social media, adjusting music, and talking to passengers can easily divert a young driver’s attention from the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teen drivers are four times more likely to crash while texting and driving than adults.
Texas has strict laws against texting and driving. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251, it is illegal for drivers to use a handheld device to send or read messages while driving. For teenagers under 18, any phone use while driving is prohibited. Despite these laws, many teens continue to use their phones while behind the wheel. If a distracted teen driver causes an accident, a car accident attorney in Corpus Christi can help victims prove negligence and recover damages.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Teenagers often underestimate the dangers of speeding and reckless driving. In Texas, nearly one-third of all fatal crashes involving teen drivers are due to excessive speed. Young drivers may feel overconfident or pressured by peers to drive faster than the posted speed limits, increasing the likelihood of losing control.
Texas law imposes harsh penalties for reckless driving. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.401, reckless driving—defined as operating a vehicle with willful disregard for safety—can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If a reckless teen driver causes a crash, an accident law firm in Corpus Christi can work to hold them and their insurance accountable for the damages.
Driving Under the Influence
Despite strict laws, some teenagers still make the dangerous choice to drink and drive. The Zero Tolerance Law in Texas (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.041) states that any detectable amount of alcohol in a driver under 21 is illegal. A first offense can result in a 60-day license suspension, fines, and mandatory alcohol education programs.
Unfortunately, impaired teen drivers continue to cause serious crashes. The NHTSA reports that teen drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of just 0.02% are nearly 40% more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober teens. Victims of accidents caused by underage drunk drivers can seek compensation with the help of a Corpus Christi teenage driving car accident lawyer who understands how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Lack of Seat Belt Use
Teens are also less likely to wear seat belts compared to older drivers. The CDC states that nearly half of all teen drivers killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts. In Texas, seat belt use is required by law for all occupants of a vehicle (Texas Transportation Code § 545.413). Despite this, too many teenagers ignore the law, significantly increasing their risk of severe injuries or death in a crash.
Holding Negligent Teen Drivers Accountable
When a teen driver causes an accident, injured victims may face overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term physical recovery. Texas follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that if a driver is found more than 50% at fault, they are responsible for damages.
This means that if a teenager’s negligence contributed to a crash, their insurance (or their parents’ insurance, if they are a minor) may be required to cover the victim’s losses.
A car accident attorney in Corpus Christi can investigate the accident, collect evidence such as phone records, police reports, and witness statements, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure victims receive fair compensation.
Protecting Yourself and Your Teen Drivers
Parents play a key role in preventing teenage driving accidents. Setting rules, enforcing curfews, and discussing the dangers of speeding, distractions, and impaired driving can help reduce risks. In addition, apps that track driving behavior or disable phone use while driving can be useful tools in keeping teen drivers safe.
Despite best efforts, accidents happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a teen driver, consulting an auto accident lawyer in Corpus Christi can help you understand your legal options. An experienced attorney can guide you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Teen driving accidents are preventable, but when they happen, having strong legal representation can make all the difference.
