As the parent of a teen driver, it’s difficult to think about the possibility of your child being involved in an auto accident. Unfortunately, the CDC reports that 16- to 19-year-olds have a higher risk of getting in a collision than those in any other age group. For this reason, it’s essential you know what to do in this situation to help protect your child’s rights and their chance to make a full recovery. Here are a few important steps to take.

What to Do if Your Child Gets in a Car Accident

1. Remain Calm 

Regardless of how worried you may be, it’s crucial to stay calm when you first hear from your teen. It’s likely they’ll be shaken up and confused after the experience, so you need to keep your composure and be prepared to give them vital instructions to follow while at the scene. Their actions during this time can make a significant difference in who ends up being held liable for the collision. 

2. Go to the Accident Scene

If possible, make your way to the accident site quickly. This will allow you to provide your teen with emotional support and give you a chance to assess the situation yourself.

Make sure they’ve properly exchanged information with the other driver, called the police, collected witness testimonies, and taken photos of the vehicles and surrounding area. If they haven’t yet, help them do so. You can also prevent them from inadvertently accepting blame for the collision before an investigation has been completed.

3. Have Them Get Medical Care

Your top priority should be making sure your child receives medical attention. Even minor collisions can cause serious injuries, many of which aren’t always visible right away.

Having them examined is the only way to make sure they’re properly diagnosed and treated. In the event that someone else caused the crash and your family decides to seek compensation, you’ll also need medical records to serve as evidence for your claim.

4. Call Your Insurance Company 

Finally, call your insurance company as soon as possible. The faster you report the auto accident, the sooner they can get started working on your claim. Have your child nearby as you provide the details of the incident so they can respond to any questions you may not know the answer to. Listening in on the call will also teach them how insurance claims work. 

If your teen has been injured in an auto accident through no fault of their own, turn to the dedicated legal team at Carey & Hamner, P.C. to discuss your options for pursuing compensation. They’ll guide you through the complex claims process and build a strong case on your family’s behalf. Backed by years of experience, they’ve provided many personal injury victims in Dothan, Ozark, and Enterprise, AL, with the professional advice and representation needed to successfully recover damages. Call (855) 435-4797 to schedule a consultation or visit them online for more information on how they can help.