In Texas, teen driving fatalities spike between Memorial Day and Labor Day
Summer is supposed to be a time for fun, freedom, and new experiences. But for too many Texas families, the season ends in tragedy. That’s because Texas leads the nation in teen crash fatalities, with more deadly car accidents involving teen drivers than any other state.
How common are teen driving accidents in Texas?
The short answer? Extremely common. Roughly 11 percent of all teen driver fatalities nationwide occur in Texas, according to the most recent accident data from AAA Texas. That works out to 1,463 teen driver deaths in Texas compared to 13,135 fatalities nationwide between 2019 and 2023.
In addition, roughly 30 percent of those teen driver deaths occurred between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which traffic safety experts refer to as the “100 Deadliest Days.”
Unfortunately, those numbers have worsened. In 2023, a record number of 440 traffic fatalities occurred in Texas involving drivers 16 to 19 years old, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Additionally, in 2023, teen drivers in Texas were involved in 83,004 accidents, resulting in 13,219 injuries.
Why are teen crash deaths so common in Texas?
There’s no single reason Texas tops the list, but several factors contribute to its success. Texas is the second-largest state in both size and population. That means more roads, more traffic, and more young drivers behind the wheel. In addition, according to the NHTSA, some of the most common causes of teen driver crashes in Texas include:
- Distracted driving – Texting, using social media, or talking with friends while driving are all common distractions that increase the risk of crashes. Having another teen in the vehicle while a teen is driving has also been found to be very distracting to teen drivers.
- Speeding – Teen drivers often underestimate how long it takes to stop or lose control at high speeds, especially on highways like I-35W or I-20 in Fort Worth.
- Inexperience – Teens may not know how to respond to hazardous road conditions, sudden stops, or other unexpected dangers.
- Impaired driving – Despite being underage, some teens still get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. In fact, roughly 22 percent of fatal car accidents in Texas involve teen drivers under the influence of alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Not Wearing Seatbelt – Teens are less likely than adults to wear seatbelts, which increases the chance of a fatal injury in a crash.
What are Texas’s teen driving laws?
Texas uses a graduated driver's license program to limit risky driving situations for new drivers. The GDL system has three phases:
- Learner license (minimum age 15): Requires a licensed adult in the front seat.
- Provisional license (minimum age 16): For the first 12 months, drivers can’t operate a vehicle between midnight and 5 a.m., drive with more than one passenger under 21, or use a cellphone (even hands-free).
- Full license (age 18+): No restrictions apply.
Still, not all young drivers follow these rules — and when they break them, the consequences can be severe. For families injured by a teen driver’s negligence, the legal path forward can be complicated.
What happens when a teen driver causes a crash in Texas?
Even though a teenager caused the crash, injured victims can often file a claim against the teen driver’s auto insurance — or, in some cases, the teen’s parents or legal guardians.
But don’t expect the insurance company to make it easy. They may:
- Deny liability (legal responsibility) and blame the victim.
- Claim the injured person caused the crash.
- Offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover long-term medical needs or future costs.
That’s why it’s important to talk with an experienced Fort Worth car accident lawyer who understands Texas law and knows how to fight for families hurt in collisions involving teen drivers.
Who pays for accidents involving teen drivers in Texas?
In Texas, liability for a car accident involving a teenage driver typically falls on the person who owns the vehicle or signed for the teen’s license, usually a parent or guardian. That’s because Texas law requires a parent or adult to assume financial responsibility for any teen driver under 18. If the teenager was driving a family car at the time of the crash, the auto insurance policy tied to that vehicle will likely cover the damages, up to the policy limits.
But things can get complicated fast. If the damages (financial losses) exceed the limits of someone’s insurance coverage or if the teen was driving a friend’s car, injury victims may need to pursue multiple insurance claims — or even a lawsuit — in order to obtain the maximum financial compensation.
In serious or fatal crashes, the financial fallout can be overwhelming. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can investigate all possible sources of compensation, depending on who is liable, which refers to the party legally responsible for causing the crash. Possible funding sources can include household insurance policies and umbrella coverage to maximize your recovery.
Can parents be held responsible for a teen driver’s crash?
In some cases, yes. Under Texas law, parents can be held financially responsible for damages caused by a minor child’s negligent driving. This includes when they knowingly allow a child to drive without proper training, violate license restrictions, or operate a vehicle in a reckless manner.
An attorney can review the facts and determine whether the teen driver, their parents, or both should be named in a claim.
Get answers. Get results. Contact our Fort Worth law firm today.
Teen drivers may be inexperienced, but that doesn’t mean they’re not responsible for their actions. If a careless teen driver caused your crash, don’t let them or their insurance company walk away without paying what’s fair.
At Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law, P.C., our legal team stands up for families hurt in devastating car accidents. We know how to investigate teen driver crashes, hold insurers accountable, and pursue maximum compensation, not just for today, but for your future as well.
Our law firm has recovered millions for crash victims throughout Texas, including $780,000 for one victim of an impaired driving accident. Case results matter here – and so do you.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Fort Worth car accident lawyer who gets results. We’re here when it matters most. We handle car accident injury claims and lawsuits throughout Texas.
“When I searched for a reliable lawyer after my accident, one name kept coming up. When I read the list of Ft Worth’s top 10 lawyers, the same name was at the top of that list. That name – Coby Wooten.” – Don E., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐