Underage Drunk Drivers
Every death and every major injury in an alcohol-related accident is a tragic reminder of the consequences of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is especially dangerous for teenagers. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), of all the dangers teenagers face, underage drinking is one of worst. It does not matter whether teenagers are drinking, wine, beer, hard alcohol, malt beverages or other liquor; alcohol is especially dangerous for teens. Teenagers who consume alcohol, compared to others teens who do not, are more likely to get pregnant, drop out of school, be sexually assaulted, take their own life through suicide, become an alcoholic later in life, or die in a car accident.
Teenage Drunk Driver Statistics
According to the CDC, although teens are less likely than adults to drive after drinking, those who do are more likely to be involved in a collision. More than half of all DUI accidents involving teenage drunk drivers occur on weekends. The risk of being involved in a crash goes up at night and when other passengers are also in the car. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report to Congress in July 2008, car accidents are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year-olds. In 2006, about 13% of all drivers involved in fatal car accidents were between 15 and 20 years old. This age group represents only 6.3% of all licensed drivers. In 2006, 3,490 drivers (only drivers, not passengers) between the ages of 15 and 20 were killed in car accidents, about 272,000 were injured. Statistically, teenagers are less likely to wear seat belts and more likely to speed. Teenagers also use cell phones, Ipods and other portable devices more than adults. According to the NHTSA, young drivers are especially vulnerable to accident and injury when driving with other teenage passengers, driving at night, and driving after drinking alcohol.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Lawsuits
The source of alcohol consumed prior to a DUI accident is an important question in any accident involving an underage drunk driver. If your son or daughter was injured or killed in an accident because another adult allowed your child to consume alcohol, or allowed the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident that killed your child to consume alcohol, you may have legal rights under social host liability. At Estey Bomberger, we are saddened by the frequency of alcohol-related accidents caused by underage drunk drivers. But we are also appalled by the lack of care of other adults, who do nothing to prevent alcohol consumption by minors, or teens getting into a vehicle with a drunk teen driver. Our attorneys are concerned with helping victims hold negligent parties accountable, whether it is another parent or adult, or a bar, tavern, or restaurant that irresponsibly provided alcohol to minors.
When to Contact a DUI Accident Victim Lawyer
Especially in underage drunk driving accidents, it is important to not waste any time in contacting a knowledgeable and experienced DUI accident personal injury lawyer. An attorney can begin investigating a case, preserving evidence, and speaking to witnesses. Immediately after an accident, witnesses are most cooperative and willing to share information while they are emotionally saddened by an event. Over time, witnesses may lose interest or become unwilling to share information about witnessing another adult or restaurant serve alcohol to a minor. It is also important to remember that in any personal injury claim, injured victims have only a limited amount of time in which they may pursue compensation.
To learn more about your or your child’s legal rights following an accident involving an underage drunk driver, contact the DUI accident injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger by calling (800)784-9180, or fill out our case evaluation request form.
