My Child Injured Other Teens While Driving: What Are My Legal Options in Fort Myers?

Driving may be a particularly difficult skill for some children to learn, and teens are statistically more likely to crash compared to other drivers. If your teen faces charges like reckless driving in Fort Myers, you may be concerned about how this will affect their future. An experienced juvenile defense lawyer can guide you through the next steps.

17-Year-Old Faces Felony Charges After Crashing With Other Teens

On May 31st, 2026, ABC 7 reported that a 17-year-old near Fort Myers was facing felony reckless driving charges after crashing. The teenager was at the wheel with three other minors on board when he reached a high rate of speed before crashing into a pavilion. All four children were seriously injured, and first responders transported them to a nearby hospital.

The teenager now faces multiple counts of reckless driving with serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony in Florida. The report does not seem to indicate whether alcohol was involved, although one would expect authorities to announce additional DUI charges if this were the case. This is a clear example of how teen drivers can face serious criminal charges after crashing, even if they were sober at the time.

Will My Child Be Tried as an Adult?

One of the first questions you must answer is whether your child will be tried as an adult or a juvenile. The latter is obviously preferable, as juvenile courts prioritize rehabilitation and second chances. However, the chances of your child being tried as a juvenile may be lower than you realize.

A child first gains the right to drive without an adult supervisor at 16 in Florida. This is when a teen might be most at risk for reckless driving and similar offenses. The courts may decide to try your child as an adult at 16 or 17, especially if their crash has led to life-altering consequences for the other children in the vehicle. For example, the criminal court might want to make an example of your child if other teens are now facing spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious injuries.

Your Teen Should Not Face Consequences for a Basic Driving Error 

If your teen simply made a mistake on the road and crashed, they shouldn’t face criminal consequences. This is true even if other teens in the vehicle suffered life-altering injuries. For prosecutors to secure a conviction, they must establish that your teen drove with willful (intentional) or wanton disregard (gross negligence). This is not always easy, and an experienced defense lawyer can help establish that your teen’s crash was an honest mistake.

Can a Juvenile Driving Defense Lawyer in Fort Myers Help Me?

A juvenile driving defense lawyer in Fort Myers may be able to help if your teen faces charges like reckless driving or DUI. Even if no alcohol or drugs were involved, your teen’s life could be irrevocably changed by criminal charges related to a crash. Contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today for further guidance. We have specific experience with juvenile offenses.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.192.html

mysuncoast.com/2026/05/31/teen-arrested-reckless-driving-after-crashing-into-venice-beach-pavilion-police-say/