What to do After Your Teenager Has a Car Accident
When you first receive the call your stomach turns flips. You may get dizzy and your lips may go numb from holding your breath. But, rest assured, there are steps you can take to make the situation better. Unfortunately, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, about 20 to 50 million people get injured or paralyzed in road crashes each year. In fact, road crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15-29. It is important to know how to respond to and avoid crashes for your teen drivers. Another common problem is dealing with insurance companies and other drivers after accidents. The last thing you want is for your child to be taken advantage of, or the blame automatically placed on them because of their youthful age. When this happens you can hire a car accident attorney to get the fair settlement or trial you deserve.
Responding to Your Teen’s Car Accident
The first and most obvious thing to do is remain calm. Driving recklessly to get to the accident site will not be any help. When your child calls they may have no idea what to do. Advise them to stay in the vehicle if they are injured. They should also stay in the vehicle if they cannot move their car out of traffic. In other less serious cases, ask them to call 911 immediately. After they report the accident they should collect the other driver’s info. The other driver may be reluctant and want to avoid sharing info, especially when dealing with a minor. Tell your child to remain firm. The next thing they should do is snap plenty of photos of the damage, ongoing traffic and the other driver’s car and license plate.
Help Your Teen Avoid Car Accidents
The first thing you can do is discuss the consequences of negligent driving, texting and driving, drinking and driving and speeding. Show your child solid facts, statistics and new stories to make them aware of the repercussions of bad driving. Your child can also take defensive driving classes for further education. These courses are even available online.
When to Call a Car Accident Attorney
When your child has been in a car accident and the situation is not looking good, a car accident attorney can help. From finding fault, gathering evidence and building a strong case your lawyer will take care of the details. They will provide counsel for your unique situation. Not only that, they will provide the negotiation assistance for settlements or strong counsel in court.
Marco Aranda at Aranda Law Firm is passionate about providing the help his El Paso clients need to win their case. Contact us today to get started on your case.
