Teen In A Car Accident? Here's Help

Law Blog

Finding out that your teenager has been in an accident can be difficult to deal with. To help you get through this stressful time, the below bullet points should come in handy.

• Arrive at the Scene — If possible, get to the accident scene immediately. You not only need to check on your teen but also observe things at the scene for yourself. In many cases, you will have a chance to see the damage to the vehicles and damage to roadside objects like signs and fences. Try to obtain a copy of the accident report from law enforcement if available.
• Are They Hurt? — Most parents don't need to be told to check on their teen after a car accident. Some teens, however, may be reluctant to admit that they need medical care. It's vital for both their sake and the sake of the potential accident case that you make them get checked out even if they claim to be fine. If they complain of issues days after the accident, get them to the doctor and get any issues documented.
• Take Some Photos — If you cannot get to the scene and your teen is able to take photos, have them photograph the scene. If you can arrive at the scene, take many photos: damage to all vehicles; roadside damage; a wide shot of the general area; and any physical damage of your teen.
• Get Contact Info — Although the information might be on the accident report, you can also gather contact info from the other driver and any witnesses to the accident.
• Warn Your Teen — Don't allow your teen to discuss the accident with anyone at the scene. What they say could be later construed to support the other driver's side of things. Later, the accident adjuster from the other driver's insurer may also call you or your teen. Again, refuse to speak to them for any reason. Refer them to your personal injury lawyer. You probably do need to phone your own insurer, however, and let them know what happened.
• Speak to an Attorney — No matter who was at fault for the accident, you will likely need an attorney. Only if the accident was a minor fender-bender with no injuries should you consider not seeking legal representation. The other driver may use your teen's age to make it appear that they caused the accident. Not all teen drivers are automatically at fault.
• The driver found to be at fault will be responsible for all the damages to both parties in the accident. Make sure that you are not the one left holding the bag if your teen was not at fault. Taking responsibility could mean higher insurance premiums and it might also place our personal assets in jeopardy. Speak to a personal injury lawyer to find out more. 

20 June 2022