Managing Partner
Unfortunately, some teenagers make the catastrophic choice to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs. They can face both civil and criminal consequences should that choice result in an accident.
The Dangers of Impaired Driving for Teens
Teen drivers pose a risk of motor vehicle accidents due to their inexperience behind the wheel. Furthermore, young drivers may engage in more impulsive behavior behind the wheel. Teens also have a still-developing sense of risk assessment, which may lead them to take more risky behaviors like speeding or running red lights. Unfortunately, alcohol or drug intoxication can worsen many of the factors that make teens riskier drivers. Alcohol and drugs can lower inhibitions, leading teens to engage in dangerous or aggressive driving. Furthermore, intoxication can impair perception and slow reaction times, making it more challenging for teens to react to emergencies promptly.
In one recent year, 19 percent of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal motor vehicle crashes were between the ages of 15 to 20. Furthermore, 30 percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 who died in traffic accidents had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or higher; 25 percent of such drivers had a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher. In addition, 47 percent of intoxicated teen drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents did not use their seat belts. Sixty-seven percent of intoxicated drivers aged 15 to 20 killed in motor vehicle accidents did not wear their seatbelts.
Legal Consequences for Teen DUI
In Georgia, a driver under 21 commits a DUI if they operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more. Thus, drivers under 21 have a far lower per se DUI limit; drivers 21 and older commit per se DUI if they drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or more.
Drivers under 21 caught operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.02 percent or more but less than 0.08 percent will face a driver’s license suspension of six months for a first offense, or 12 months if they have a prior qualifying conviction. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08 percent or more or who refuse chemical testing after a DUI arrest will also face a 12-month license suspension. Teen drivers who commit a second DUI within five years will face an 18-month driver’s license suspension. Finally, a third conviction will impose a five-year driver’s license revocation. Teen drivers may also face penalties normally applicable to DUI convictions, such as jail time or fines.
Civil and Parental Liability
Teens who cause car accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may face liability to other drivers or passengers who suffer injuries and property damage in the crash. A teen convicted or adjudicated delinquent of DUI may face liability under a per se negligence claim. “Per se” negligence holds a party negligent due to their violations of the law.
Parents may also face liability for injuries and property damage caused by their teen’s drunk driving accident. A parent may face a negligent entrustment claim if they allow their teen to drive a family vehicle when they know or should know their teen will drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alternatively, parents may face social host liability if they furnish alcohol to teens at a house party, knowing that a teen will soon drive a motor vehicle.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today to Discuss Your Legal Options
If you were injured by a teen driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, you need experienced legal counsel to help you demand fair compensation for what you’ve suffered. Contact Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a car accident lawyer to learn about your options.
