In Michigan, an individual can begin driving with certain restrictions at 14 years old. At 16 years old, they can drive unsupervised. At 17 years old, they can receive a driver’s license with full driving privileges.
The inexperience of teen drivers can increase their chances of causing motor vehicle accidents. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, an Okemos car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Our Okemos teen driver accident attorneys at White Law PLLC are prepared to help you get the best possible recovery for your losses.
Michigan Teen Driving Laws
Michigan authorities understand that experience is critical for new drivers. As such, there are three levels of licenses for teen drivers. These graduated driver’s licenses are as follows:
Level 1
Drivers at this level must be at least 14 years and nine months of age. They must have successfully completed a three-week driver’s education course. Drivers with this level of learner’s license must be supervised at all times by a parent or licensed driver at least 21 years old.
Level 1 drivers must complete a driving log. They must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving time. Ten of those hours must consist of night driving.
Level 2
Level 2 drivers must be at least 16 years old. They must complete an additional six hours of classroom education and a written exam. They also have to pass a driving skills test and go 90 days with no accidents or driving violations.
Drivers at this level are forbidden from having more than one passenger under the age of 21, except for immediate family members. They can only drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Exemptions for these hourly restrictions may be obtained for certain circumstances, such as employment.
Level 3
Drivers cannot obtain a license at this level until they reach 17 years old. Before reaching level 3, drivers must hold a level 2 license for at least six months. Further, they must have no accidents or driving violations for 12 consecutive months.
At this level, there are no driving restrictions. In other words, level 3 drivers can drive at any hour and without supervision. If a parent feels their teen is not ready to progress to level 3, they can request their child remain at level 2 until a later time.
Teen drivers at any level have a higher risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents. This increased risk is due to general driving inexperience, as well as other factors discussed below. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, a teen driver accident lawyer in Okemos, MI can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your losses.
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Teen Driving Statistics
The Michigan State Police (MSP) reports that in 2020, there were 473,443 licensed drivers 15 to 20 years old. This group made up nearly 7% of the state’s licensed drivers. There are unique risk factors for teen drivers that increase their chances of being involved in motor vehicle accidents.
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Teen Driving Risks
The MSP reports that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for adolescents. Car accidents cause three out of five accidental deaths for individuals 16 to 20 years old. Teen drivers are four times more likely than adult drivers to be involved in a motor accident resulting in a fatality.
According to the MSP, teenagers are more likely to drive recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Generally, one out of every three teen driving accidents involves speeding, and 16% of teen drivers involved in fatal collisions have been drinking alcohol. Nearly 33% of teens who text admit to doing so while driving, increasing their risk of an accident by 23 times.
Teens are also at higher risk for car accidents because they are the least likely to use seatbelts. Nearly 60% of teen accident fatalities were not wearing safety belts. Reckless driving and inexperience increase a teen’s chances of being involved in a serious or fatal motor vehicle accident.
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Causes of Teen Driver Accidents in Okemos
The risks teen drivers cause on Okemos roads increase their chances of involvement in motor vehicle accidents. Teen drivers present an increased danger to other drivers and pedestrians for a number of reasons. Common causes of teen driver accidents in Okemos include the following:
- Inexperience
- Driving with passengers
- Driving at night
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
If you have been injured in an accident involving a teen driver, it may have been caused by one of these factors. It is in your best interest to consult with an Okemos teen driver accident lawyer to discuss your options for recovering compensation for your damages. Our personal injury attorneys at White Law PLLC can investigate your teen driver accident and determine who may be held liable for making you whole for your losses.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Damages You Can Recover After a Teen Driver Accident in Okemos
If you were injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, you may be eligible to recover certain damages that resulted from your collision. A skilled teen driver accident attorney in Okemos can review your claim and determine what damages you may be eligible to collect. Common damages you can recover after a teen driver accident include:
- Economic damages: These include your monetary damages, such as your medical expenses, lost wages, and damaged property.
- Non-economic damages: These include your non-monetary damages, such as your pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Exemplary damages: Although rare, these damages can be collected in cases wherein the negligent teen driver acted recklessly or maliciously.
Our teen driver accident lawyers at White Law PLLC can help you understand all the potential damages you may be eligible to collect. We can also help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. We will negotiate with the insurance companies and any other parties involved to get you the most favorable compensation possible.
Schedule a Consultation with an Okemos Teen Driver Accident Attorney
In the unfortunate event that you were injured in an accident at the hands of an inexperienced teen driver, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. Contact our experienced car accident lawyers at White Law PLLC today for a free consultation to discuss your accident. We can help you get the justice you deserve after your Okemos teen driver accident.
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