Car accidents can have major consequences for young Montana residents. The injuries can be substantial or life-threatening, permanently altering a young person’s life. Young victims may experience high medical costs, extensive mental and emotional suffering or the loss of a career or educational opportunities, just as their adult life is starting.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol, approximately 6 million young adult drivers are involved in car accidents every year, causing around 14,000 deaths. In fact, car accidents are the number one cause of death for drivers between the ages of 15 to 24.
Avoid drunk or distracted driving at all costs
There are many causes for the high number of accidents and fatalities. By now, everyone is aware that drunk or distracted driving contribute to many accidents, and these factors are especially prevalent among younger drivers.
Young drivers who engage in safe and responsible driving still risk being the victim of an accident caused by another negligent driver. The injury or loss of a child so young due to someone else’s negligence is many parents’ worst nightmare.
Every driver on Montana’s roads and highways has a legal duty to drive reasonably and follow all traffic laws. If this duty is breached and causes an accident, the driver may be found negligent, and damages could be available.
Negligent drivers can be legally responsible
Compensation for car accident injuries can include payment for medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. However, proving negligence can be a challenge. Montana follows the contributory negligence rule when awarding damages in car accident cases, meaning that the amount a victim can recover may be lowered if it is determined that their own negligent contributed to the accident.
Young people and their families who are suffering from the aftermath of a car accident could benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney. A legal professional can provide helpful advice about chances of recovering compensation.
