What to Do If Your Teen Gets into a Car Accident

Teen motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in this age group, with 227k young people aged 13-19 injured and 2,800 killed during 2020. Those in the 16-19 age bracket are most at risk, with males three times as likely to end up dead compared to female drivers. Teen motor vehicle deaths increased between 2020 and 2021, which is a worrying trend. It’s worth noting that 17% of fatal crashes occur at night. 

Muhammad Ramadan, an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago, shares what to do as a parent if your teenager is involved in a car accident, whether as a driver or passenger.

Keep Calm and Assess the Situation

If your teen calls you from the scene of a car accident, try to stay calm. Getting upset or angry will not help the situation. First, make sure your teen is uninjured. If they are hurt, call 911 immediately and follow any instructions. If your teen is not injured, have them describe the scene: 

• Are there injuries to others involved? 
• Is the car drivable?
• Is traffic blocked?

Based on your teen’s assessment, you may need to call 911 to get medical assistance or police on the scene. 

Once you know the immediate medical needs are addressed, try to get a picture of what exactly happened. Was your teen rear-ended at a stop light? Did their car spin out on a slick road? Understanding the circumstances can help you later when dealing with insurance or any legal issues. Make sure to ask if any police or ambulances are on site yet and get as many details as possible while the car accident is fresh in your teen’s mind.

If injuries or major damage are involved, the police will file a car accident report. The officer will gather statements from both drivers at the scene. Make sure your teen writes down the officer’s name and badge number as part of the report. All of this information will be needed when you contact your insurance company.

Seek Medical Attention After The Car Accident

Some car accident injuries like whiplash or concussions may not be apparent right away. Encourage your teen to get medical attention after the car accident, even if they don’t think they are hurt. The other driver may also want your insurance information in case they need medical treatment later. Better to be safe and make sure all parties get checked out.

For major injuries, call 911 and have your teen taken to the ER. For less serious complaints like whiplash, take them to your family doctor or an urgent care clinic soon after the auto accident. Having the medical record from a doctor will help document any injuries sustained if you need to file an insurance claim later.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

For major car accidents involving injuries or fatalities, hiring a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases is essential. A lawyer can advise you on the best legal course of action, including coordinating with insurance companies. They may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver to recover costs like medical bills that exceed your coverage. 39% of high school drivers admit to texting or emailing while driving, so distracted driving is often a factor in teen car accidents. 

Interview lawyers to find one experienced with auto accident claims and that you’re comfortable with. They will determine if you have grounds for a case and manage the legal process. Having expert legal advice can be critical after a serious car accident.

Reinforce safe driving habits and consider setting clear consequences for any future violations. The goal is to help guide your teen into making mature driving choices and prevent repeat accidents in the future. With patience and understanding, a teen can recover confidence behind the wheel.