According to a recent study conducted by the National Safety Council, a nationwide restriction on teen driving could reduce the number of traffic fatalities by thousands and the auto accident-related costs by billions.

In the study, the National Safety Council explored what could happen if graduated driver licensing (GDL), a variety of laws that restricts driving privileges in the first few years after obtaining a license, were adopted in all U.S. 50 states.

The study found that limiting drivers’ privileges for teens and new drivers could save as many as 2,000 lives and $13.5 billion dollars in accident-related expenses in the U.S. annually.

The study also presents some troubling figures about teens and auto accidents, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teens in the U.S.
• Between 2000 and 2009, 81,000 people were killed in auto accidents involving beginning drivers.

The study also found that the more GDL laws in place, the greater the reductions in teen-related accident costs and deaths. For instance, a state with at least one GDL law experienced a 4 percent reduction on average, whereas a state with five or more GDL laws averaged a 38 percent reduction. Typical GDL restrictions include:

• Learner’s permits
• Passenger limitations
• Guardians
• Night driving restrictions
• Additional restrictions in the case of moving violations during probationary period
• Special restrictions regarding cell phone use and texting while driving
• Decals; special licenses

In Arizona, current GDL restrictions dictate that teens must be at least 16 years old and have logged at least 30 hours of supervised driving (20 hours daytime; 10 hours nighttime) in order to obtain a class G (graduated) license, which they must hold for at least six months. With the graduated license, teens cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian or driving to school or work. Also, drivers with a graduated license cannot carry more than one non-sibling passenger under the age of 18 on a public highway without a parent or guardian present. Any moving violations can result in an extension of these driving restrictions greater than the mandatory six months.

In the event that you’ve been injured or incurred damages in an auto accident, a skilled personal injury law can fight for your legal rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact the Arizona auto accident law team at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience.

Every year in the U.S., more than 15,000 people are injured in slip and fall (or trip and fall) accidents. The elderly are among the most vulnerable age groups for injuries resulting from slip and falls; in fact, slip and fall injuries are the most common fatal injury in people age 65 and older in America. At any age, a slip and fall accident can result in very serious medical complications, including:

• Severe bruising and cuts
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Head trauma
• Incapacitation
• Death

If the slip/trip and fall was caused by a dangerous or defective condition, the property owner may be liable for any resulting injuries. Property owners have a legal obligation called duty of care to keep their properties safe enough for visitors exercising a reasonable amount of caution. Icy or slippery sidewalks, uneven flooring, poor lighting, and other hazardous conditions can be grounds for a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer experienced in slip and fall injuries can review the circumstances of your case and advise on the best course of action .

Like any injury case, the actions you take or don’t take can affect the terms of your settlement. For best results, be sure to follow these steps in the moments, days and weeks following the action.

Gather Evidence

Solid evidence is one of the most crucial elements of any personal injury case. You will need to prove that 1) unsafe conditions were present and 2) you were acting with a reasonable amount of care to avoid injury, so you must find proof that supports both of these elements. To strengthen your case, be sure to snap several photos of the injury site and get the name and contact information of the property owners as well as any witnesses to the incident. Memories can fade over time, so be sure to write down a detailed account of the accident as soon as possible afterward.

Report the Incident to the Proper Authorities

Be sure to alert the property owner, landlord, store manager, etc., to the accident and hazardous condition. However, do not provide an extensive statement before speaking to a lawyer first.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

As soon as possible after the accident, get examined by a medical professional and seek treatment for your injuries. Any delay in seeking medical attention can hurt your case. By visiting an emergency room or doctor, you can get an evaluation of your injuries. In addition, be sure to take photos of your injuries for evidence.

Keep Track of Accident-Related Expenses

Your settlement will be determined in part by how much of a financial toll your slip and fall injury has taken on your life. Keep good records of any expenses that may be related to the accident, including medical expenses and lost income. If your injury has left you unable to work as you were before the accident, you could be compensated for any lost future wages as well.

Contact an Attorney

Get in touch with a slip and fall attorney ASAP after the accident. An attorney can not only provide you with an assessment of your case but help protect your rights under the law in order to get you the compensation to which you are entitled. Also, personal injury cases have statutes of limitations. In Arizona, depending on the case, you can have as little as six months to file a complaint, so it’s important not to delay contacting an attorney.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a slip and fall accident in the Phoenix area, the attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience are here to help. Our attorneys offer more than 50 years of experience of handing slip and fall, auto accident and other personal injury cases. For a free legal consultation, please call us at 480-833-8800 or 800-501-2782 or contact us online.