Every year, thousands of Louisianians are injured in auto accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck, you may be eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim. It all depends on how, and to what extent, the other side was negligent.
If the other driver was a teenager, then there’s a good chance that he or she was largely to blame. Teen motorists are known for being negligent and reckless. In a recent AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index, 72% of respondents aged 16 to 18 admitted to some form of unsafe driving in the past 30 days. Of these, 47% sped in residential areas, 40% sped on freeways, 35% texted and 32% ran red lights. Drowsy driving (25%) and aggressive driving (31%) were also somewhat common risky behaviors.
Knowing about the “100 deadliest days”
Teens become even more dangerous in the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day: the “100 deadliest days,” according to safety advocates. AAA says that there were more than 8,300 teen driving crash deaths during the 100 deadliest days from 2008 to 2018. That’s an average of more than seven fatalities for each day of summer.
It’s obvious to see why this period would be so dangerous. It coincides with summer when school is out. More teens will be on the road and parties, many of them serving alcohol, will be held more frequently.
How can parents and teens prepare?
Parents are encouraged to talk to their teenagers about the dangers of drowsy driving, impaired driving, speeding, neglecting seatbelts and other types of negligence or recklessness. They should consider creating a set of family rules on driving. To ensure that they are heard, parents must themselves give a good example.
Filing a claim with legal assistance
You might want a personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case and determine how much you might be entitled to in damages. If retained, the lawyer may be able to do much more, including negotiating for a settlement on your behalf. At the very least, you could receive personal attention on your case and have more time to focus on your physical recovery.