According to the Global Traffic Scorecard 2021, New York is one of the most congested cities in the U.S. On average, drivers in New York spend a whopping 102 hours – or 4.25 days – in traffic each year, which shows just how congested the city has become.
Despite slow moving traffic, the rate of accidents in the city is relatively high. In October 2021 alone, 9,982 traffic accidents were recorded across New York City. While most drivers know that they can be held liable for accidents they cause, you may not realize that you could be liable if your teen is involved in a car accident too.
How Common Are Teen Driver Accidents?
Inexperienced drivers can be more likely to be involved in road traffic accidents, which means that teen drivers can be at particular risk of being hurt while on the road. Every year, more than 250,000 teens are treated for motor vehicle collision injuries in ERs across America and, tragically, teens aged 16-19 are nearly 3X more likely to be killed on the road than drivers aged 20 years or over.
While many young people are eager to get behind the wheel, it can be an anxious time for parents and caregivers. However, educating your teen about the importance of road safety and helping them to gain experience can help to reduce the risk of an accident.
Furthermore, making sure that your teen knows how to respond if they are involved in a collision will ensure that they’re equipped to deal with the situation.
Who Is Liable for Teen Driver Accidents in New York City?
If your teen was driving your vehicle at the time of a collision, there is a chance that you could be held liable for the incident. Under New York law, the liability remains with the owner of the vehicle if they loan the vehicle to another driver. Even though you may not have been behind the wheel, this won’t necessarily prevent you from being sued if an accident occurs. With help from a car accident attorney in New York, you can determine who is liable for the incident and protect your own liability, as well as your child’s.
However, when a teen is involved in a road traffic accident, it shouldn’t automatically be assumed that they’re responsible. Another driver may try to blame an inexperienced teen driver when, in reality, it is them that caused the collision. Due to this, it’s important that the cause of an accident is properly investigated so that liability can be apportioned correctly.
Avoiding Car Accidents & Injuries to Protect Yourself and Your Teenager
Preventing and avoiding traffic accidents is always the preferred course of action but, sadly, this isn’t always possible. If your teen is involved in an accident on the road, it’s advisable to seek legal advice from an experienced local attorney.
What’s more – seeking legal assistance following a car accident could enable your teen to make a claim for compensation against the person or people who were responsible for the incident. From property damage to personal injuries, a car accident can have far-reaching financial consequences. By getting advice from an experienced attorney, you can help your teen to navigate the aftermath of a collision and ensure that they get the support, compensation, and legal protection they deserve.
