There were 5,339 fatal crashes in 2022 that involved at least one young person. And in 2021, around 203,000 young people aged 15-20 suffered injuries in car accidents.
Car accidents are a leading cause of death among teenage drivers, with the fatal crash rate per mile highest for drivers 16-17. Graduated licensing systems have helped to reduce the number of accidents among teenagers, but as a parent, it’s important to teach your teenager what to do if they end up in an accident.
Christopher Davis, owner of Davis Law Group, P.S., a leading personal injury law firm in Seattle, WA, shared 8 essential lessons on how to teach your teenage driver to handle a car accident.
Remain at the Scene
The most important rule is that your teen must never leave the scene of an accident, even if it’s a minor fender bender. Explain that leaving the scene will legally make the accident far worse. In Illinois, for example, leaving the scene of an accident is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $2,500 and up to 12 months in prison. Your teen may be terrified after an accident, but assure them that remaining there is vital. If the accident occurs, contacting a local car accident attorney can help navigate the legal complexities and protect their rights.
Call the Police
Instructing your teen to call the police right away after an accident. A police report is essential for insurance purposes.
Your teen should not admit fault or discuss accident details; they should fully cooperate with the police, answering questions honestly and sticking to the facts. The police report will significantly influence insurance and liability assessments.
They must cooperate fully with any police investigations. Answer questions honestly while sticking to just the facts. The police report will greatly influence insurance and liability assessments, so it’s important to be helpful and truthful.
Check for Injuries
Ensure your teen knows to safely check if anyone involved, including themselves, is injured. Tell them not to move any severely injured people unless they are in danger. They should call emergency services right away if anyone needs medical assistance.
Exchange Information
Your teen needs to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved. This includes names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. They should also get contact details for any passengers or witnesses at the scene.
Document the Scene
Advise your teen to use their smartphone to take photos of the accident scene from every angle, including damage to both vehicles and surroundings like street signs. Photos can provide vital evidence for insurance claims later.
Call You
Remind your teen that no matter how minor or major the accident is, they should call you immediately after contacting the police.
This allows you to provide calm guidance on what the next steps are.
Don’t Apologize Or Admit Fault
Caution your teen to not say sorry or admit fault to anyone, as that can impact liability later. Tell them just to stick to the facts and not speculate on the cause. Any apologies or admissions should wait until after consulting the police and insurance companies.
Talk to a Lawyer
Before making any statements or agreeing to settlements, advise your teen to consult a lawyer for car accident claims. A lawyer can protect their rights, deal with insurance companies, and get full compensation for injuries or losses. Having legal guidance can make a big difference in the outcome. Follow the lawyer’s counsel closely through the process.
Understanding the right actions after an accident is crucial for your teen’s safety and decision-making during stressful situations. Review these essential steps together before handing over the car keys to ensure peace of mind for both of you. Follow the guidance provided by the Seattle car accident attorneys at Davis Law Group, P.S., and your teen will be prepared for any scenario they’re presented with.
