Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States which account for more than one in three deaths in this age group. In 2008, it was reported that nine teen drivers ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries. On average, for every mile driven, it is estimated that teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than their older counterparts to get into an accident. Those who are at an especially high risk for motor vehicle accidents, among teenage drivers, are:

• Males: In 2006, the motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 was almost twice as high as those of female drivers.
• Teen Passengers: Teen drivers are more likely to get into an accident if they have teen passengers. Additionally, this risk increases with the number of additional teen age passengers present.
• Teenagers Who Are Newly Licensed Drivers: Teenage drivers who are licensed within the first year also have an increased risk of being in a motor vehicle accident.
• The factors, which contribute to teen driving accidents, include:
  • Not Recognizing Hazardous Situations: A teens inability to recognize a hazardous situation resulting from a lack of driving experience.
  • Speeding: Speeding and not allowing enough room between vehicles and the presence of a male teenage passenger increases the likelihood of risky or reckless behavior.
  • Drinking: In 2005, among male drivers ages 16 to 19 who were involved in fatal accidents, 37% of those were speeding and 26% had been drinking.
  • Not Using Seatbelts: Teenage drivers have the lowest rate of seat belt use. In one report it was determined that 10% of high school students surveyed in 2005 reported rarely or never wearing a seat belt while riding as a passenger.
  • Drinking: In 2008, nearly three quarters of all teenage drivers killed in motor vehicle accidents had been drinking and not wearing a seat belt.
  • Day of the Week and Time Of Day: In 2008, one half of all teenage motor vehicle deaths occurred between 3 pm and midnight and 56% occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

After your child has been involved in a car accident case, you need to take a number of steps to strengthen the value of your child's claim and here are a number of things you could do to harm your child injury case. There are many things you should know, including that the insurance company of the person who caused your  child's car accident case has adjusters, investigators and lawyers working on your case so they can determine how to pay you the least amount of money possible. You need someone working for you. Do not wait until it's too late. We have written "The Crash Course on Personal Injury Claims in Connecticut" for you to download for free. This valuable information will help you to learn more about what actions you need to take. Seeking legal advice is the best way to ensure the rights of you and your child are fully protected. Contact our dedicated team of Connecticut Child Injury Lawyers today at 888-244-5480. Call us today for a free consultation!