Distracted Driving Accidents Involving Teens in Rhode Island and Massachusetts

At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we strongly believe in the importance of education and prevention, particularly when it comes to protecting our community’s teens from distracted driving accidents. Accidents involving teenagers are unfortunately common in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and the consequences can be severe. As personal injury attorneys in both states, we’ve witnessed how quickly families’ lives can change due to distracted or careless driving.

In this blog post, we will talk about what leads to distracted driving accidents among teenagers, the legal issues that can arise from these accidents, and ways to help prevent them. We’ll also explain how Bottaro Injury Lawyers can assist you or your child if you have been hurt in one of these incidents.

Distracted Driving Among Teen Drivers: The Dangers Explained

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes remain the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens. In 2021 alone, 2,800 teens (ages 13–19) died, and about 227,000 experienced injuries in motor vehicle crashes nationally. Many of these accidents involved some form of distraction.

Distracted driving accidents happen when any activity takes attention away from driving. Examples include:

• Texting
• Using a GPS app
• Utilizing social media
• Eating
• Adjusting music
• Talking to passengers

For teen drivers—who often lack experience and are more susceptible to peer influence—these distractions dramatically increase the risk of accidents.

In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, state laws prohibit minors from using handheld devices while driving. Still, distracted driving among teens remains a leading cause of preventable accidents.

Teen Distracted Driving Laws in Rhode Island and Massachusetts

Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts have enacted legislation aimed at reducing distracted driving:

Rhode Island:

• In Rhode Island, it’s illegal to use handheld devices, like cell phones, while driving a car.
• Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use any wireless communication device, even if it is hands-free.

Massachusetts:

• The Massachusetts Hands-Free Law (Chapter 90, Section 13B) makes it illegal for all drivers to use handheld devices while driving.
• Like Rhode Island, Massachusetts bans any use of mobile electronic devices by drivers under 18.

Violating these laws can result in license suspensions, fines, and increased insurance premiums—consequences that affect the driver and the entire family.

Common Causes of Teen Distracted Driving Accidents

Based on data and our legal experience, the most frequent causes of distracted driving accidents among teens in Rhode Island and Massachusetts include:

• Texting or using social media: Despite knowing the risks, surveys show up to 43% of teens admit to texting while driving.
• Talking to passengers: Teen drivers with multiple passengers are statistically more likely to engage in risky behaviors.
• Using GPS apps: Many teens rely on mobile GPS apps, which can become a visual and mental distraction.
• Taking photos or videos: In the social media age, some teens risk their lives to capture moments while driving.

Legal Options for Families After a Distracted Driving Accident

If your teenager has been hurt in an accident caused by someone who was distracted while driving, you might be able to get financial help under the laws of Rhode Island or Massachusetts. At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we support families as they navigate the legal process to make sure all medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income are taken care of.

Recently, we discussed a case in which a driver who caused a rear-end collision left the scene. Through thorough investigation and effective negotiation, we secured $102,500 for our injured client. This case reflects our commitment to protecting accident victims and ensuring careless drivers are held responsible.

Prevention: What Parents and Guardians Can Do

Raising awareness is crucial. During National Teen Driver Safety Week in October and throughout the year, Bottaro Injury Lawyers encourages parents and guardians to engage teens in meaningful conversations about driving safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the following parent-driven initiatives:

• Set clear expectations about not texting, calling, or using apps while driving.
• Be a good role model—teens are more likely to mimic the driving behaviors of their parents.
• Use apps or car features that block incoming texts while driving.
• Limit passengers—Massachusetts and Rhode Island have junior operator license restrictions limiting passengers under certain conditions.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Even when families take every precaution, distracted driving accidents involving teens still happen. If your child was a passenger or injured by a distracted driver, our legal team at Bottaro Injury Lawyers is here to help.

We understand the sensitive nature of teen car accidents and offer compassionate, confidential consultations 24/7. Our legal team at Bottaro Injury Lawyers is here to support you every step of the way. From working with law enforcement to reviewing cellphone records and video surveillance, we do the complex legal work so you can focus on healing.

Don’t wait to protect your rights. Personal injury claims involving minors can have specific deadlines and legal nuances that must be handled properly. Our team has extensive experience in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts state laws and will fight for the compensation your family deserves.

Why Choose Bottaro Injury Lawyers?

At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we handle all types of personal injury cases involving teen drivers, including those caused by distracted driving. With offices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and the ability to meet clients virtually or in person, we make the legal process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Our team operates under our ‘No Fee Guarantee,’ which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This means you can pursue justice for your teen without worrying about upfront legal fees.

Call or text us today at (401) 777-7777 or contact us using our online form for a fast, free, confidential consultation. You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. We’re here to help.

It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – Your Local Advocate for Teen Safety and Justice on the Road