Learning to drive is an exciting rite of passage for teenagers. However, driving comes with serious responsibilities, including knowing what to do if a car accident happens. Teen car crash fatalities have thankfully fallen in recent years, with 2,547 fatalities in 2022, down from 2,744 in 2021. However, the fatal crash rate for drivers aged 16-19 is 3x higher than for drivers aged 20+.
According to Muhammad Ramadan, one of the experienced car accident attorneys in Chicago, as a parent, you can prepare your teen driver by teaching them these eight essential steps to take after a car accident:
1. Stop The Car Immediately and Turn on the Hazard Lights
The first thing a driver should do after an auto accident is stop right away. They should move the vehicle to the shoulder or side of the road, out of any traffic lanes, and turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers of the car accident. Stopping at the scene is required by law. Leaving the scene of a crash is a potential felony if someone is injured or killed, with fines of up to $20k and jail time.
2. Check for Injuries and Call 911 if Needed After a Car Accident
The most important thing is to make sure everyone involved is okay. Your teen should check on passengers in their car as well as occupants in other vehicles. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Provide medical assistance if possible while waiting for emergency responders.
3. Secure the Car Accident Scene
Set up road flares or warning triangles around the auto accident scene to prevent further collisions. This alerts other drivers to proceed cautiously. If available, have passengers help with directing traffic away from the scene.
4. Document The Car Accident
Instruct your teen to take pictures of damage to all vehicles involved and the car accident scene. Also, have them write down details such as the date, time, weather, and road conditions. Names, insurance information, and license plate numbers should be exchanged with the other driver.
5. File a Police Car Crash Report
Contact the police to file an official report for the car accident. The report is essential for insurance claims. Your teen should cooperate fully with the police but avoid admitting fault or sharing details about what happened.
6. Exchange Insurance Information After The Car Accident
Your teen must share their name, driver’s license number, and insurance details with the other driver. They should also request the same information. Having this information is essential for the claims process. Ask for the contact details of any passengers or witnesses as well.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company About The Car Accident
Call your insurance provider right away to inform them of the car accident. Provide only basic details and follow their instructions. Avoid speculating on who was at fault. Ask what documents will be needed for a claim.
8. Communicate with Parents After a Car Accident
Make sure your teen knows to contact you after a car accident. As a parent, you’ll want to know they are safe. You can provide guidance on the next steps, help communicate with insurers, and call car accident attorneys for advice. Offer emotional support during this stressful experience.
Driving comes with serious risks. Preparing your teenage driver with instructions on handling accidents can give you both peace of mind. Ensure they understand these steps, keep emergency numbers handy, and have insurance information easily accessible in their vehicle. This knowledge could make a difficult situation much easier to deal with.
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