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The summer season is typically a time when people choose to make plans for vacations, primarily because the kids are out of school and the entire family can actually go somewhere together without having to rush back for classes. However, Fort Myers personal injury lawyers know that the fact that teens are out of school during the summer might be a double-edged sword because summertime also tends to bring about an increase in teen driver accidents. 

When accidents occur, regardless of who was driving, the end results can be devastating to all involved. As a matter of fact, Randall Spivey and his team have handled cases that have left individuals with not only a lifetime of pain and suffering, but also mounting medical bills and lost wages. However, accident victims should note that they do not have to face their accident-related issues alone. A skilled attorney can help to ensure that all legal options are explored in order for victims to obtain the best outcome possible.

Numbers Don't Lie

The 100 days after Memorial Day have been named "the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers" by the American Automobile Association (AAA). This is based on the Association's findings that during the summer, there is a 26 percent increase in teen fatalities that occur due to automobile crashes. The summer break is typically a period when more teenagers spend a great deal more time on the roadways. Additionally, as many Fort Myers personal injury lawyers know, the probability of teens having accidents increases with the number of passengers in the vehicle, as well as the fact that many teens text and drive without considering the risk of being involved in collisions.

The Florida Highway Patrol released data that shows that among drivers who were between the ages of 15 and 18 in 2013, there were 82 non-fatal accidents and two fatalities during June, July and August. However, the numbers dropped to 53 non-fatal accidents and one fatality during the Fall months after teens were back in school. The Florida Safety Council has stated that, "the fact of the matter is, kids just don't have the experience that it takes to drive as safely as one would like them to."

So, What Can Be Done?

In an effort to reduce the risks, the Auto Club Group, an affiliate of AAA, encourages parents of teen drivers to require them to use certain precautions. For example, parents may want to consider limiting the amount of time teens drive, particularly if they have less than a year of experience. Another option is to set strict requirements with respect to the number of passengers the teen driver can have in the car.

Maintaining teen drivers' focus and keeping them from being distracted while driving should be of utmost importance. Teen drivers should be made aware that when they are distracted, they can (and do) cause injury to themselves and other motorists, and when that occurs, they can be held legally responsible for any injuries incurred.

If you have been injured in an accident that involved a teen driver and you have questions about your legal options, contact the Fort Myers personal injury lawyers at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today.