Teen drivers are often classified as some of the most dangerous people to get behind the wheel. Younger drivers may have a tendency to get distracted while driving in Louisiana and pay more attention to their smartphones than the road in front of them. When this happens, a devastating accident can leave unsuspecting individuals seriously injured or killed. A lawsuit was recently filed against a teen driver and popular social media app Snapchat after one of these tragic wrecks.The car accident occurred when the now 18-year-old was driving with friends when she started speeding. The teen wanted to post a picture on Snapchat using Snapchat’s speed tracker, which measures how fast the user is going. According to the suit, the girl crashed into a vehicle merging in front of her “so violently that it shot across the left lane into the left embankment.” At the time of the crash, the teen was traveling 107 mph in a 55 mph zone.The driver of the other vehicle was an Uber driver just starting his shift. He suffered catastrophic injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and spent five weeks in the intensive care unit. Since the accident, he reportedly lost 50 pounds and cannot take care of himself or work. The teen driver was also injured.Snapchat is named in the suit for encouraging teen drivers to drive fast by creating the speed tracking filter. Snapchat says that they actively discourage snapping and driving by displaying a warning message within the app. However, despite many warnings, many teens continue to risk their lives and the lives of others by driving while distracted.
Those who suffer damages as a result of this reckless driving may be able to recover compensation via personal injury lawsuit, just as the victim in this case is seeking to do. Car accident victims who wish to learn more may want to speak with their attorney.
Source: CNBC, Snapchat ‘Speed Filter’ Led to Georgia Car Crash, Lawsuit Alleges,” Elizabeth Chuck, April 28, 2016
