Drivers in Illinois may be interested to know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 19. The rate of these crashes climbs between Memorial Day and the end of August, a time period that is often termed the “100 Deadliest Days.”

In fact, a report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety states that in 2013, over 300,000 people were injured in crashes that involved a teenager behind the wheel. Nearly 3,000 of those involved in similar crashes lost their lives in 2013. The study did not speculate on the causes of these accidents, but like adult drivers, teens may be likely to become distracted drivers due to texting while driving. Drinking and driving continues to be a major issue as well.

Teen drivers are not only injuring themselves in these crashes either. About 66 percent of those killed and 67 percent of those injured in crashes involving teen drivers are not the ones driving. In fact, around half of those injured were in a different car entirely, and 30 percent of those killed were in another car. Twenty-seven percent of those killed were the teens’ passengers.

Individuals who find themselves injured due to a car accident caused by a teen driver may be anxious about liability and insurance. It is often prudent to reach out for legal counsel after being injured in an auto accident. An attorney who is well-versed in personal injury may help an individual obtain the best outcome concerning an insurance claim.