An automobile accident is a growing concern in the US. Even if the latest survey (2007) showed a bit of an improvement from the 2006 statistics, it’s still a high number at 41,059 fatalities. In California, the number of fatalities is pegged at 3,974, a slight improvement from 2006’s 4,240. It would seem that California serious injury auto accident lawyers have their work cut out for them.
Out of the 3,974 fatalities from auto accidents in California, 1,616 came from alcohol-related incidents. That accounts for almost half of the total number of fatalities in the state. The number is more staggering nationwide, pegged at 12,998 fatalities. Serious injuries from auto accidents because the drivers are alcohol-impaired are a cause for concern especially for parents since a lot of these fatalities involve minors.
Serious injury auto accident cases are prevalent. This is especially stressful when the negligent party is a minor. For parents, the reality of having their daughter or son behind the wheel and drunk driving is quite stark. Parents are in the best position to have prevented the accident from happening.
Letting a minor drive, especially if the injured party can prove that you know your son or daughter has a drinking or drug problem, can constitute negligence. In some states, like California, liability for signing a minor’s application for a driver’s license is limited; however the same cannot be said for other states.
In a perfect world, parents can exercise all the safety precautions and preventive measures to keep their children safe and prevent them from involving in serious car accidents. However, this world is far from being perfect. We can only do so much to help minors make the right choice.
However, here are a few things that parents might want to try to protect their children from making serious, life-threatening and life-changing mistakes:
• Consider very carefully before you sign for your teen’s driver’s license. If you have already signed the permit but have changed your mind, you can still contact your local DMV to withdraw your support. Think this decision over before you give your consent. There is really no harm in making your teenager wait until he or she is already 18 before you sign the permit.
• Make sure that your teen and his/her vehicle is covered with insurance. If you already have insurance coverage, review it with an agent and know exactly what it covers. It is best if you get an umbrella insurance policy to cover the passengers of the vehicle.
• Troubled teens need help. If you know that your teenager has a substance abuse problem, or any other psychological problem that might constitute as making him/her a potential danger on the road. Aside from the obvious purpose of this advice, it would also be helpful in instances where serious injury auto accident cases are filed against you because of your teenaged child.
• As much as possible, let your teen save up enough money to buy his/her own car. If you do give your teen a car, make sure that the title is named after him/her. However, be aware that in some states, simply changing the ownership of the car does not mean that you will not be liable in court for your teen’s negligence.
In the unfortunate event that your teen is involved in a serious injury auto accident, it is best to get the help of California lawyers to check your accountability according to the state laws, and to take the appropriate actions regarding the matter.
To pursue claims for serious injury in auto accidents, you can consult with our expert California car accident attorneys. You can visit our website at http://www.mesrianilaw.com/California-Car-Accident-Law-Firm.html and avail of our free case analysis.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Alva Pao-Pei Alfonso
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