Teen Driving Accidents Surge Mid-Summer in Florida
We are now deep into Florida’s “100 Deadly Days of Summer.” This is the dangerous stretch from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During this time, teen driving accidents spike dramatically. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports a consistent surge in crashes each summer. These crashes often involve serious injuries and fatalities among teen drivers.
In 2023, over 56,000 crashes involved teen drivers. As a result, those crashes caused 345 deaths and nearly 2,000 serious injuries. These numbers tell real stories—preventable accidents have forever changed many families. That’s why understanding the risks and your rights helps you protect your loved ones and stay prepared after a crash.
Why Summer Is So Risky for Teen Drivers
Several factors make the summer especially dangerous for inexperienced drivers. Teens often drive at night, carry passengers, and engage in distracted or reckless behavior. They may not fully understand the risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that teen drivers are nearly three times more likely than older drivers to be in a fatal crash.
Florida has safeguards in place to reduce these risks, including a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. Under Florida Statute §322.1615, teen drivers with a learner’s license must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night, before obtaining a full license. These laws aim to gradually introduce teens to more complex driving situations while limiting high-risk behaviors.
Still, the statistics show that teen driving accidents continue to rise during summer break. It is essential for parents to stay engaged and proactive.
When an Accident Happens, Know Your Legal Options
If your teen is injured in a crash—or if another teen causes a serious accident—you need to understand your legal rights. Florida’s “dangerous instrumentality” doctrine means a parent or guardian may be held legally responsible for damages caused by a teen driver. That means liability doesn’t stop at the person behind the wheel.
Schwed Law Firm has extensive experience handling personal injury cases involving teen drivers. From high-speed crashes and rear-end collisions to intersection accidents and distracted driving claims, our team works to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue full compensation for injuries, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we bring over 200 years of combined legal experience to every personal injury case we handle. We’ve represented clients throughout Florida who’ve been injured in teen driving accidents, car and truck crashes, premises liability claims, and more. We know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If a teen driver injures you or someone you love in an accident, we’re here to help. We offer free consultations and never charge a fee unless we win. Call Schwed Law Firm today at 877-694-6079 or email us at contact@schwedlawfirm.com to schedule your free case evaluation.