Teen Driving Accidents in Kentucky

Recent crash statistics point to a high rate of teen driving accidents in Kentucky. Even those following the letter of the law can struggle due to inexperience in correctly judging their speed, turning radius, and safe distances between vehicles.

If you were injured in a crash involving a teen driver, working with a Lexington car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover your financial losses.

Key Risk Factors in Teen Driving Accidents

Crashes involving teen drivers often parallel those involving negligent adult drivers, but their inexperience amplifies factors like distractions and engaging in risk-taking.

According to a Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) study, 43% of fatal car accidents involving teen drivers included speeding, compared to only 30% of fatal collisions for other age groups. 

Other factors include distractions involving texting, phone usage, and fellow teen passengers. Underage drinking also plays a role in fatal accidents, impairing reaction time and decision-making.

Kentucky Teen Driving Accident Statistics

Crashes involving teen drivers in Kentucky are the highest in the country for the fourth year in a row. Here are some teen driving accident statistics according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety in the last full reporting year:

• More than 48,000 crashes involving a teen driver
• Caused 13,000 injuries and 210 deaths
• Based on miles driven, teens are involved in three times more fatal car accidents
• Double the national average in teen driver fatalities

Nationwide teen driver safety is a critical concern, but with our state’s exceptionally high levels, there are new initiatives to incentivize safe driving.

With the Safe Teen Driving Challenge, teens with a valid permit or driver’s license are encouraged to participate for prizes via a smartphone app by tracking and rewarding safe behaviors. You can learn more on the Kentucky Highway Safety program’s website.

Determining Liability in an Accident With a Teen Driver

Under Kentucky law, parents of teen drivers become liable for their actions when they sign for their minor child’s driver’s license application. The Family Purpose Doctrine also holds the parent liable when the teen drives the family car for a family purpose.

These principles of liability ensures injured victims can target a defendant beyond the teen’s limited insurance policy, critical for recovering full damages in serious injury cases.

If the teen driver is underinsured or was not insured at all at the time of the accident, we can help you determine how best to move forward. You may be eligible to utilize uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you carry a policy, or we can help you pursue litigation. 

Filing a lawsuit against a teen driver and their family may feel extreme, but you deserve compensation for your losses, such as medical bills due to your injuries, lost pay, repairing damage to your vehicle, and pain and suffering. 

Pursuing a Car Accident Claim Against a Teen Driver

If you were in an accident involving a teen driver, you deserve compensation to support your recovery and losses. A car accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim against the teen’s car insurance or their parents.

Contact our team at Gary C. Johnson P.S.C. to set up a free case evaluation.