Even though many teens are driving with full respect for traffic laws and have a full intention of being responsible behind the wheel, the very fact remains that without any experience, even good intentions will be “thrown down the well”. Car crash risk is particularly high in the few months after the driver’s license is newly obtained. This might not always be because of irresponsibility and lack of attention.

Teen driver accidents sometimes can happen just because of a scarcity of experience. There are more distractions than ever, to say the least in today’s driving climate.  Music apps, text messages, and online games that come with smartphones, offer teenagers constant temptation. In case your teenage child is involved in a car accident and they hurt someone along the way, here is what you should do.

Seek professional advice

Contact any law firm in case your teen’s accident is serious. Especially if there are physical injuries involved and you feel that he or she will require assistance with insurance and legal matters. You could start with a no-obligation case consultation. For that, you will need a lawyer your family will trust to lead the case. In case your child has not experienced an accident before, it is recommended that your family read more about the car accident checklist that can answer any questions you or your child might have. The majority of teens who are found to be guilty of a car accident can have their license suspended. Usually for a minimum of 30 days.

You should also make sure that your child is getting in contact with the most appropriate team, taking into consideration all of the relevant facts about the situation. For instance, if they were riding a motorcycle rather than driving a car, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer instead, as that is the specific legal help that you are going to need.

There might also be some court fines involved as well as a license restoration fee of around 175 dollars.  Second, or third-time offences, can involve an extended license suspension. Even up to one year.  Additional penalties can be added, for instance, one could even possibly include some jail time.

Who is to blame?

When you find out that your teenage child has been involved in a vehicle accident, the most important question that you might have in your mind is: “Is my child okay and safe?” Claim matters, liability issues, as well as insurance companies would follow very soon afterwards.

You may find that you simply must piece together the circumstances around the accident, as well as to find out who is to be held accountable for the crash. If your teen driver is involved during a vehicle crash and determined to be a guilty party, you (being the parent and the main insurer), are likely to bear the consequences and costs of damages, as well as legal counsel, medical expenses, fines, and repair costs.

Instruct them to stay as calm as possible

After a crash, your teenager might feel a range of emotions. Guilt, shock, fear, nervousness, or even anger. All of the above is normal and expected. Although, it would be wise to advise your teen that if they ever find themselves in such a situation, to take some deep breaths and relax.

The calmer they are, they will be better prepared and will be able to handle the situation better. It would be also wise for your son or daughter to make a judgment whether the accident was serious.

Emergency servcies and Emergency Kit

Instruct your teenager that if they cannot get out of the car due to the accident, or it’s not safe to try, to keep the seatbelt fastened and turn on their hazard lights. The next step would be to call emergency services if possible and wait for help. If the car collision is minor, it is advisable to grab the emergency kit. Also, advise your teenager if it is safe, to get out and move around the car, they should set warning triangles, orange cones, or emergency flares around the vehicle and crash site. If no injuries have been involved, and the car is driveable, it would be wise to make an effort to manoeuvre the vehicle to a secure spot.

Similarly, it would be wise for your teenager to ask for the driver’s license of the other drivers involved in the accident and see it. That way, your child can write down their license plate. It is also advisable to get their address, name, phone number, the insurance company, as well as an insurance policy number.

It is important for you as the parent to protect and defend the claim for your child in case your teenager was involved in a car accident. It can make a huge difference if you are able to prove that your child was not entirely to blame for the collision. Hopefully following some of these tips will ensure their safety as much as possible.

Related posts:

How to handle your teenager’s first car accident Is your teen asking for a car? Here’s some important advice 4 tips to ensure a smooth first driving experience for your teen 3 things you should never do after a road accident