Increased Summer Traffic Raises Teen Crash Risks Across Florida

Florida Sees a 30% Spike in Teen Driver Fatal Crashes During the Summer

Summer break should be a time of freedom and fun, but for too many Florida families, it turns into a tragic experience. Teen drivers hit the road more often during the summer months, and too often, the consequences are deadly.

According to AAA and the Florida Safe Teen Driving Coalition, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the “100 Deadliest Days”—a period marked by a sharp increase in fatal crashes involving teen drivers. In Florida, fatal teen driver crashes spike by 30% during the summer compared to the rest of the year.

If you or someone you love was injured in a crash involving a teen driver, a Florida car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How bad are teen driving accidents in summer?

In 2022, drivers aged 15 to 20 years old accounted for 12.7% of all traffic fatalities in Florida, according to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2023, drivers aged 15 to 19 were involved in more than 41,000 crashes in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

However, summer can be especially hazardous in Florida and nationwide due to the presence of young drivers. Each year, on average, 30 percent of car accident fatalities involving teen drivers occur during the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to AAA.

“Summer months are particularly dangerous as more young drivers hit the road during school breaks with many logging more unsupervised driving time than usual,” said Jake Nelson, Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research at AAA.

Why do teens cause so many crashes?

Some of the common causes of car accidents caused by teen drivers include:

Inexperience: Teen drivers, especially those in their first year with a license, lack the real-world experience needed to assess and react to hazards quickly. Research from the CDC shows that crash risk is highest during the first months of independent driving.
Speeding: Teen drivers are more likely than any other age group to speed, follow too closely, and engage in risky driving maneuvers. National data from NHTSA found that in fatal crashes involving teens, approximately 30% were speeding at the time of impact.
Distracted driving: According to FLHSMV data, in 2023, nearly 10% of all crashes involving teen drivers in Florida were attributed to distraction as a contributing cause. Cell phone use, interacting with passengers, and even adjusting music or GPS are common distractions.
Young Passengers: Studies show that a teen driver’s risk of crashing increases with each additional teen passenger. Florida’s graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws restrict this, but many violations still occur, often leading to catastrophic outcomes.
Nighttime driving: Fatal crash rates for teens are three times higher at night. Florida mirrors this national trend, with a significant portion of serious teen-related crashes occurring between 9 p.m. and midnight.
Alcohol Use: While illegal for minors, impaired driving remains a problem for young drivers. According to FLHSMV's 2023 report, alcohol or drugs were cited in over 400 crashes involving teen drivers.
Overconfidence: Teens are still developing critical brain functions tied to impulse control and risk assessment. This makes them more likely to underestimate dangers or overestimate their ability to avoid a crash.

How does Florida’s no-fault insurance apply to teen driver accidents?

Florida operates under a no-fault system, which means that a person’s own insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages up to the policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. This includes teen drivers. If a teen is listed on a parent’s insurance policy, their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage applies to them. PIP benefits typically pay up to $10,000.

However, no-fault rules don’t cover vehicle damage or serious injury claims beyond the PIP threshold. In those cases, the injured party may pursue a liability claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver—including the teen—if injuries meet Florida’s serious injury threshold.

Who’s responsible for paying for accidents in Florida caused by teen drivers?

Responsibility usually falls under the teen’s insurance policy, which is often held in a parent's or guardian’s name. The policy pays damages up to its limits. If the damages (accident expenses) exceed coverage or if the teen is uninsured, the victim may file a personal injury lawsuit.

Florida law also holds parents liable under the “dangerous instrumentality doctrine” and the parental consent law, which makes them legally responsible for their teen’s driving conduct. In essence, the parent who signs the minor’s license application assumes financial responsibility for any damages caused while the teen is driving.

Can I sue a teen’s parents after a car accident in Florida?

Yes, you can sue a teen’s parents under specific circumstances. Florida law requires a parent or guardian to sign a minor’s driver’s license application, and by doing so, they accept liability for any damages the teen causes while driving.

This allows victims to seek compensation not just from the teen, but also from their parents. Additionally, if a parent negligently entrusted their vehicle to a teen with a history of reckless driving or knew the teen was unfit to drive, a direct negligence claim may be applicable. These legal options help victims recover beyond the limits of their insurance policy.

How a Florida car accident lawyer can help you

Car accidents involving teen drivers in Florida can be particularly confusing. Even knowing who’s responsible for paying for your accident might not be clear. That’s why it’s critical that you have a Florida car accident attorney handling your case who knows the law and understands exactly what to do.

Our legal team at the Law Offices of Brent Miller, P.A. can help you every step of the way. We have handled numerous complex car accident claims in Florida, with verdicts and settlements that prove our expertise, including a $5.6 million settlement in one car accident case.

Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Central Florida car accident lawyer who knows how to get the job done right. We have four offices conveniently located in Central Florida, including offices in Tavares, Inverness, Clermont, and The Villages.

"Couldn't ask for a better law firm to handle my auto accident case. They were quick, effective, and very down to earth." – Courtney S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐