Getting the call that your teen has been in a car accident can be terrifying. You don’t know how hurt they are or whose fault it is. You might have to call an ambulance for the drivers or a tow truck to get the car back home. Keeping calm will help you get through the incident as quickly as possible. Here’s what you need to do if your teenager is involved in a car accident.
Assess Health Needs
When you’re first notified of the accident, immediately assess any health concerns. Call an ambulance on your way there so your child can be professionally checked for internal and external injuries. Even if your teen was wearing a seatbelt, they may still have a concussion or feel shaken up. Calling an ambulance is the best way to ensure they’re not suffering from any negative outcomes. EMTs will also help any passengers or the occupants of the other car.
Calling an ambulance starts a necessary paperwork trail. If your teen was injured, you’ll likely need evidence to prove your personal injury case in the future.
Exchange Information
Once you know everyone on the scene is healthy, you can exchange information. Take the time to write down their name, insurance company, and necessary vehicle information. Avoid letting the other driver leave until you have the necessary information. If the other driver is uninsured, call the police to get an official write-up. Car accidents can be expensive and many drivers don’t want to pay the fees involved. Police officers file helpful reports to make the claims process easier and ensure you get paid. A police report is also another essential piece of evidence that will help you in a courtroom.
Collect Evidence
Many teens will experience a car accident when first learning how to drive. Taking the time to document the state of the cars involved as well as the nearby environment has numerous benefits. Learning why the accident happened will help your teen to learn from their mistakes in the future. You’ll also be able to pinpoint the at-fault driver, which will help your insurance claim. Take plenty of photos of the vehicles, including the interior where there might be broken glass. Ask for documentation from the police and the EMTs if possible. Every piece of evidence and information you collect will help your case in the future.
Contact a Lawyer
If your teen was seriously injured during the car accident, consider searching for a personal injury attorney in Lakeland FL, or anywhere specific to your locale. It can be hard to determine how your teen’s injury is affecting their quality of life. On top of medical costs like surgery, medication, and physical therapy, they may have also been impacted emotionally and mentally. A personal injury attorney has the tools to get you the reimbursement your family deserves. They save you time and provide valuable advice in and out of the courtroom.
Representing yourself may not be the best option when you’re not versed in courtroom jargon. Get the resources you need to heal and protect your teen. Trust an attorney to handle both the insurance companies as well as the other driver.
Support Your Teen
In the initial hours or days after an accident, you’ll likely feel anxiety and anger. Don’t take these volatile emotions out on your family or teen. Accidents are terrifying to live through and your child needs your support and understanding. After a car accident, you and your teen are a team. Do what you can to ease their fears and make them comfortable. Help them to learn from their mistakes and become a safer driver. Teens are inexperienced behind the wheel, which increases their chances of being in an accident. Taking the time to enforce seat belt rules and limiting distractions while in the car will improve their confidence and capabilities behind the wheel.
Closing Thoughts
The best way to handle a car accident is to be prepared. Ensure your teen knows to call the police and exchange information. Get to the scene as soon as you can to check for injuries and get them the help they need. Keeping track of your documentation and calling an attorney when necessary will get you the compensation you deserve.
Hope you found the article useful. Please leave your thoughts in the comments!
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