Being a parent of a teen who just got their license can be nerve-racking. You want them to gain independence, but you also worry about their safety on the road, which is understandable given 203k teenage drivers were injured in accidents in 2021. If your teen does get into a car accident, try to remain calm and focus on taking the necessary steps.
Here is some guidance on what to do if your teen gets into a car accident:
Assess Injuries After The Car Accident
The first priority is to check if anyone is injured. If your teen or others require medical attention, call 911 immediately. Even when injuries seem minor, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor – 2.3 million children aged 17 and under were diagnosed with a concussion or TBI in 2022. Signs of whiplash, concussion, or internal injuries may not be obvious right away.
If vehicles are movable and it’s safe, pull over to the side of the road out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights and set up road flares or triangles if you have them. However, don’t move injured victims unless absolutely necessary. Wait for paramedics.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information With The Other Driver
If the vehicles involved are drivable, move them to a safe location like a parking lot. Have your teen exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone, driver’s license number, license plate, make/model of vehicle, and insurance provider details.
Take photos of damage to both vehicles and the accident scene if possible. Ask witnesses for their contact information too. All this evidence will help protect your teen from false accusations later.
File a Police Car Accident Report
Contact the police to file an accident report. Many states require filing a report if there is significant damage, injuries, or a fatality. Provide the officers with your teen’s version of what happened. If your teen is found to be at fault, it’s still best to be honest about the details. In 2021, 27% of young drivers involved in fatal collisions had been drinking.
Ask the police for a copy of the accident report. You may need this for insurance claims later. The report can also help clear up discrepancies if the other driver tries to change their story.
Contact a Local Car Accident Lawyer
Contact a local car accident attorney as soon as possible. For example, if you were involved in a car accident in Laredo, TX, you should look for a Laredo car accident lawyer and contact him as soon as possible. Car accident attorneys can advise you on the next steps and represent your teen during any legal proceedings. Discuss the accident details and ask about legal options to protect your teen from criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Check reviews and experience levels when selecting an car accident attorney. They can negotiate settlements and defend your teen’s rights after the car crash.
Discuss The Car Accident with Your Teen
Once the dust has settled, sit down with your teen and have an open discussion about the auto accident. Avoid lecturing or getting angry. Calmly ask them to explain what happened from their perspective. Listen without judgment first.
Discuss constructive ways to prevent similar accidents in the future, like being more aware of surroundings, obeying speed limits, and eliminating distractions like phones – 7% of drivers aged 15-20 involved in fatal accidents admitted to being distracted while driving. Emphasize how lucky they were if no one was seriously injured. Make it a teachable moment, not a blame game.
While no parent wants to receive the call their teen had a car accident, try to stay level-headed in the aftermath. Follow these steps to effectively handle the situation, get your teen the help they need, and put them back on the road to safe driving. With your guidance and resilience, they will learn from the experience.
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