Teen Car Accidents

“I have been there so many times before and NOW I will be there for YOU and your family.”
- Tim Misny - The man that “Makes Them Pay!®”

“Please understand that the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with preponderance of the evidence.” – Tim Misny

Teen Car Accidents

Car accidents occur more often than they should in Cleveland, and throughout the country. A disproportionately high number of collisions involve teen drivers due to a host of factors, including inexperience behind the wheel, texting, and other distractions. The risk of a collision involving a driver between the ages of 16 and 19 is higher than any other age group. This is according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It is important for parents and guardians to understand the risks of teen driving and motor vehicle accidents. It is essential to call me if you’ve been injured in a collision with a teen driver or if your teenager was harmed in an accident with another motorist.

I’ve had the privilege of representing car accident victims in Ohio for more than 40 years, and I can help you and your family obtain financial compensation for injuries sustained in an accident. In the meantime, you can learn more about teen car accidents and what parents can do to prevent collisions, below.

Getting the Facts About Teen Car Accidents 

How often do teen car accidents occur? What behaviors make teen driving particularly risky? The following information includes significant facts and figures from the CDC, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the National Safety Council (NSC):

  • Nearly 2,400 teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2017;

  • Roughly 300,000 teens require treatment in an emergency department each year for injuries in a car crash;

  • About 19 teens die in car accidents every day on average;

  • While teens between the ages of 16-19 represent only about 6.5% of the U.S. population, they account for 8% of all motor vehicle injury costs, totaling more than $13 billion annually;

  • Male teen drivers are at two times greater risk of a fatal collision than are female teen drivers;

  • When teens drive in cars with teenage passengers, the accident risk increases; and

  • Teens who have had a driver’s license for under a year are at greater risk of being involved in a serious or fatal collision.

Causes of Teen Accidents

Inadequate Weather Preparedness

Teenage drivers are often ill-prepared for adverse weather conditions, leading to auto accidents caused by their lack of experience and judgment. These accidents frequently occur during inclement weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog. In their immaturity, newly licensed drivers may underestimate the hazards associated with slippery roads and reduced visibility, leading to collisions. The injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more severe consequences such as broken bones or head trauma. It is essential for young drivers to receive proper education on handling adverse weather conditions, to mitigate the risks associated with their inexperience.

Peer Distractions

Peer distractions are a common cause of motor vehicle accidents among teenage drivers. These accidents often involve a group of young friends in the car, engaging in conversation, laughter, or even horseplay while driving. The immaturity of these newly licensed drivers may lead them to prioritize socializing over safe driving practices. Such distractions can result in serious accidents, causing injuries that may range from whiplash and concussions to fatal accidents. It is crucial for teenagers to recognize the importance of staying focused on the road, and resisting peer pressure to engage in distracting behavior while driving.

Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior among teenage drivers that often leads to motor vehicle accidents. This perilous habit involves the use of mobile phones for texting or browsing social media while operating a vehicle. As inexperienced young drivers, it makes them prone to underestimate the risks associated with texting, and the cause of severe accidents. Injuries from such accidents can vary from minor bruises to life-altering conditions, including paralysis or death. It is imperative to educate young drivers about the grave consequences of texting while driving, and instill responsible smartphone use when behind the wheel.

Reckless Lane Changes

Teenage drivers occasionally engage in reckless lane changes without proper signaling or checking their blind spots. This is a major cause of auto accidents. These accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor contusions to more severe outcomes, such spinal injuries or multiple fractures. The lack of experience of these newly licensed drivers may lead to impulsive decisions, the disregard for the safety of themselves and others. Promoting responsible lane-changing practices and defensive driving techniques is crucial to reduce such heart-wrenching accidents.

Fatigue-Related Accidents

Fatigue-related accidents are a significant concern among teenage drivers. These accidents often occur when young drivers underestimate the effects of sleep deprivation or drowsiness while behind the wheel. Injuries resulting from such accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious outcomes such as head-on collisions and fatalities. The immaturity of teenage drivers may lead to ignoring the warning signs of fatigue. Educating young drivers on the importance of adequate rest and recognizing signs of fatigue can help avert these tragic motor vehicle crashes.

Impaired Driving (Drugs)

Impaired driving due to drug use is another major cause of teen car accidents. Some teenage drivers may experiment with drugs and then make the ill-advised choice to drive under the influence. This behavior can result in accidents with injuries that may include broken bones, head trauma, or fatalities. Young drivers underestimate impairment caused by drugs. Drugs also affect their ability to make sound judgments on the road. Comprehensive education on the dangers of impaired driving, and the potential consequences of impaired driving, is essential to curb accidents among teenage drivers.

Many young drivers approach the road with a feeling of invincibility, which can place them in dangerous situations. This sense of freedom often leads to speeding, distracted driving, reckless decisions, and unfortunate accidents. If you or your child has been involved in a car accident, call me as soon as possible to discuss your claim, free of charge.

Damages

When bringing a car accident lawsuit against a teen driver, several damages may be sought to compensate for or your losses. These awards are intended to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident. Below is a list of damages that may be awarded:

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are damages intended to cover the costs associated with the treatment of injuries sustained in the car crash. This may include hospital bills, doctor’s fees, surgery costs, medication expenses, and rehabilitation fees. Financial awards for medical expenses helps you access the necessary care and treatment needed for recovery. This is especially true in cases of severe injuries resulting from single vehicle crashes, or accidents with a high crash risk.

Pain and Suffering

Damages for pain and suffering compensate the victim for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and resulting injuries. It acknowledges the pain, trauma, and emotional suffering you have endured. This compensation provides some measure of relief, and helps with the healing process, particularly in cases involving highway safety or severe accidents.

Property Damage

Property damage awards cover the repair or replacement costs of the damaged vehicle and any personal property inside the vehicle at the time of the accident. This compensation helps to recover the losses related to your damaged property, ensuring the vehicle and personal property return to their pre-accident state.

Lost Income and Future Earnings

Lost income and future earnings compensation refers to the wages or income you may have lost for missed work due to the car accident, and any potential future earnings that may be affected by the injuries. This award helps to maintain financial stability while recovering from your injuries, especially if you are unable to work due to the accident.

Wrongful Death Damages

In fatal car accident cases, wrongful death damages may be sought by the surviving family members of the deceased victim. Compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support the deceased would have provided. Financial awards help the family cope with the emotional and financial burdens resulting from the tragic loss of a loved one, particularly in cases involving drunk driving.

Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs

After a car accident, rehabilitation and therapy may be necessary. There are expenses associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation required to recover from injuries sustained in the car accident. Monetary awards help to cover specialized treatment and therapies aimed at restoring your quality of life, and to ensure you can access the necessary resources to aid in your recovery process.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium damages are often sought by the spouse or family members of the injured party. These damages compensate for the loss of companionship, care, and support that the injured individual can no longer provide due to their injuries. This loss can have a profound impact on the emotional well-being and quality of life of the family members. Monetary compensation for loss of consortium helps address the intangible yet significant losses experienced by those close to the injured person, providing some financial relief during a difficult time.

Suing for damages after a car accident involving a teen driver is essential to ensure the injured party receives the necessary support for recovery. These damages address various physical, emotional, and financial challenges that may arise from the accident..

Accidents involving teen drivers can be devastating, and are difficult on the whole family. While you or your loved one is recovering from the accident, I will take care of the legalities, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Statute of Limitations in a Teen Car Accident Claim

If you are injured in a traffic collision involving a teen driver, how much time do you have to file a lawsuit? Whether the teen driver or another motorist was at fault, most car accident claims must be filed within two years from the date of the collision under Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code Section 2305.10). This clock is known as the statute of limitations, and it begins to tick on the date of the accident or injury.

If an injured party waits too long to file a claim, the clock runs out and the accident claim will become a time-barred lawsuit under Ohio law. Once a claim is time-barred, it is often impossible to file a lawsuit to seek financial compensation.

Contact Tim Misny to File a Claim Today

If you were injured in an accident caused by a teen driver, or if your teenage driver was injured in a collision, call me me to learn more about your legal options and how I can help you Make Them Pay!®

Fatal Car Accidents

Fatal teen car accidents are deeply troubling and heartbreaking for far too many families and communities. These tragic incidents involve young drivers, ages 16 to 19, and result in motor vehicle crash deaths.. It is essential to approach this topic with empathy and concern for the safety and well-being of these young individuals.

One significant factor contributing to fatal crashes involving teenage drivers is drinking alcohol. Male drivers (female drivers too) in particular, make the unfortunate choice to drink and drive, leading to devastating consequences. Passenger vehicle occupants are often seriously injured and killed, including the intoxicated drivers and innocent victims. The fatal crash rate among young drivers is a painful reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.

In these tragic circumstances, those who were involved in fatal crashes leave behind grieving families, friends, and communities. Motor vehicle crash deaths is a harsh reality that underscores the need for comprehensive education and awareness programs. It is crucial to instill responsible behaviors in young drivers, such as never drinking and driving, to reduce the incidence of fatal teen car accidents.

These accidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safe driving practices for all young drivers, as well as the need for support and guidance from parents, mentors, and the community at large. Together, we can work towards preventing these devastating fatalities to ensure a safer future for our young drivers.

Call Me to Schedule a Free Consultation!

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Krystle Banks
Krystle Banks
14:32 20 Sep 23
Christine Filippelli
Christine Filippelli
01:55 18 May 23
DeAndre Merritt
DeAndre Merritt
06:58 23 Mar 23
Jake Ferri
Jake Ferri
23:46 01 Aug 22
I have no case and no one that I need Tim Misney to make pay, just wanted to say the best part of my day is getting to... drive by his billboards. His People's Eyebrow is immaculate and the new billboard with him on the motorcycle is downright bitchin'. Thank you Tim Misney for significantly improving the quality of my life.read more
Jennifer Malainy
Jennifer Malainy
22:44 19 Jul 22
My favorite lawyer. Truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most genuine humans I have ever met. There is only one TIM... MISNY and he will make them pay!! God Bless.read more
C M V
C M V
01:16 16 Feb 22
I spoke to Amy and Christine about a possible personal injury case involving my father and they were both helpful,... professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Although they could not help us with our case, I would highly recommend them!read more
Stephen Burks
Stephen Burks
20:12 21 Jan 22
It really comes down to what people say and do when they don't think anyone that matters is listening or they'll get... anything in return.There's the Tim Misny you see on the billboards and on TV, but there's another Tim Misny that I know up close and personal.The Tim Misny I know is genuinely passionate about helping the hard working little folks who get pushed around the big folks. He actually, really honestly cares about people who run into bad luck at no fault of their own. Tim has quietly, out of the sight of cameras and with no fanfare shared generously with the marginalized in our society; single moms, Veterans and others without expecting anything in return.He calls them like he sees them and you wouldn't want to take your troubles to anyone else.read more
mark colucci
mark colucci
14:33 06 Dec 21
Mr. Misny is an angel here on earth and the BEST attorney in Ohio. He has helped my daughter who is in law school when... she needed the guidance most. He is a class act, a great family man, and extremely caring. If you need a lawyer in this field I would HIGHLY recommend. There is no other lawyer, in my opinion, better than Tim Misny.Thank you Tim for being a light in this community!read more
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
02:43 27 Nov 21
Advice on Law question? Also Advise to do more research for Different types of Situations that’s Criminal and Civil... Pursuits!City, State and Above State Level Situation .Pro Se !read more
Gianna Colucci
Gianna Colucci
12:56 04 Nov 21
Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall... College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.read more
Brandon Hagerdon
Brandon Hagerdon
20:53 18 May 21
I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a... relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.read more
Jimmie Graham
Jimmie Graham
19:26 30 Mar 21
Tim is hands down the best lawyer in town. He was able to guide me through the legal process and keep me informed at... all stages. Which allowed me to not stress and focus on life. He was able to get me the best deal possible in my court case. One thing that blew me away is that he gave me his direct cell number and answered anytime I had a question which is rare with most lawyers. 100% Misny is the guy! There's a reason he's on literally every billboard in Cleveland.read more
Paul McFadden
Paul McFadden
13:29 20 Jan 21
My relationship with Tim goes back over 30 years and is one of great trust and mutual respect. Tim represented me at a... critical point in my life and I will always be indebted to him for the difference he made. He is always just a phone call away.read more
Rick Miller
Rick Miller
18:55 21 Dec 20
If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in... the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Timread more
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
01:51 22 Oct 20
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer &... 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!read more
Scott Plate
Scott Plate
16:49 10 Oct 20
Tim has created a highly visible and effective law practice, and despite his decades of experience, he has never once... forgotten why he got into this business in the first place: to help people. He puts his whole heart into his work, and he works hard for everyone he represents. He has a gift for tuning out the noise and tuning into the core of what his clients need, and making it clear he has heard them. As a result, we feel empowered. He is smart, resourceful, creative, positive, and solution-oriented. His abundant energy makes people feel better, stronger, and valued. He loves and promotes his community; he gives back generously, and he always leaves everything better than he found it. Tim is a true man of action, and a man of his word. Could not recommend him more highly.read more
Mike M
Mike M
04:44 09 Oct 20
As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I... was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mikeread more
Eric Evans
Eric Evans
21:02 04 Oct 20
Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his... expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.read more
Benjamin Firstenberg
Benjamin Firstenberg
19:32 28 Sep 20
I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal... development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.read more
David Shelton
David Shelton
01:13 30 Jun 20
I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave... me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.read more
Mike Mercer
Mike Mercer
00:16 17 Jan 20
WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim... Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!read more
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The Law Offices of Tim Misny

Cleveland Office
3100 E. 45th St.
Suite 444
Cleveland OH 44127
Mailing Address:
Interstate Square I
4230 Chillicothe Rd. Ste 200
Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Disclaimer: All lawsuits are different and the Law Offices of Tim Misny make no representation or promise that it can obtain the same results in other legal matters. Nothing in this webpage constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any future legal matter.