School is out and summer is here, which means more teenage drivers on Georgiaโs roads than any other time of year. While getting behind the wheel is a major milestone, summer is also known as the โ100 Deadliest Daysโ for teen crashes nationwide. If your teen is in an accidentโor youโre injured by a young, inexperienced driverโhereโs what you need to know.
Why Teen Crashes Increase in Summer
- More free time, vacations, and late nights with friends
- Lack of driving experience and poor judgment in new situations
- Distracted driving, especially from phones and passengers
- Higher rates of speeding, not wearing seatbelts, or driving under the influence
- Nighttime driving, when fatal crash risks go up
The combination of inexperience and new freedoms means July is one of the most dangerous months for teens on the road.
What To Do If Your Teen Is in a Crash
- Stay Calm and Check for Injuries: Make sure everyone is safe and call 911 immediately if needed.
- Collect Information: Get insurance and contact details from all drivers, and gather statements from witnesses.
- Take Photos: Document the vehicles, accident scene, and any injuries.
- Get a Police Report: Official documentation is crucial for insurance and any potential claim.
- Seek Medical Care: Even minor crashes can cause hidden injuriesโfollow up on all care instructions.
- Avoid Social Media Posts: These can harm your claim if insurance companies use them against you.
- Notify Your Insurance: Report the accident, but do not admit fault or accept a quick settlement.
- Talk to an Attorney: Teen accidents may involve complex questions about liability and coverage.
Common Injuries and Damages After Teen Accidents
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and concussions
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
- Significant car damage or total loss
- Lost wages for parents who must care for an injured child
You may be entitled to compensation for all these damagesโeven if your teen was partially at fault.
Parental Liability in Georgia
Parents may be legally responsible for damages caused by their teenโs driving, especially if the car is registered in their name or the teen was acting with parental permission. Georgiaโs laws can be confusingโalways get legal advice after a crash.
How Gunn Law Group Can Help
Teen driver accidents can quickly become complicated, with insurance companies looking for any reason to deny or reduce claims. Gunn Law Group helps parents, teens, and injured victims navigate every stepโprotecting your familyโs finances and future.
If your summer is disrupted by a teen driver crash, donโt let insurance companies push you around. Call the Big Gunn at 888-BIG-GUNN for a free case review today.
