Responding to a teen driver’s first accident

Millions travel to Florida to experience the beauty of palm trees and tourism. Cities such as Tampa have a large pedestrian population and commuting drivers. This intersection can result in personal injuries and property damage.

Auto-pedestrian accidents

When auto-pedestrian accidents occur, both sides have a difficult time, especially if there are severe injuries. It’s incredibly traumatic when teen drivers experience their first pedestrian-involved accident. From the point of view of a victim, it is terrifying to cross the street, be struck by an automobile, sent hurling into the air, and land with a vicious thud.

If your teen driver calls to inform you of an accident, be calm, reassuring, and supportive. Now is not the time to worry about how car accidents increase insurance rates. Instead, get as much information as you reasonably can, and follow instructions from law enforcement and the insurance company.

Teen drivers and pedestrians

Most teens are very excited to get their drivers’ licenses and drive a car without their parents. It’s cool to drive their friends around while listening to their favorite tunes. The reality is that there are so many distractions, including:

  • Texting
  • Loud talking
  • Loud music
  • Unsafe practices (no seatbelt, speeding)
  • Passenger distractions
  • Changing radio stations
  • Picking things off the floor
  • Applying makeup
  • Talking on the phone

Distracted driving

The laws against distracted driving against distracted driving are clear, but drivers of all ages often ignore them. Although statistics vary, it is clear that this behavior is a cause of thousands of auto-pedestrian accidents every year.

These types of accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one have been harmed in such an incident caused by a distracted motorist of any age, you might want to meet with an attorney to see how you can be fairly compensated for your losses.

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Imagine you are driving along minding your own business when a semi hits a median after crossing three lanes of traffic, blocking your lane. Unable to stop in time, you strike the truck’s cab with your much smaller vehicle. We don’t have to imagine that scenario because one of our clients lived it. Though he was unable to walk away from the crash without injury, we were able to help him walk away from the incident with a settlement that will make things easier for him and his family.