Steps to Take if Your Teen Was in a Car Accident

Originally published: April 13, 2018

Updated on: June 11, 2018

For parents of teenagers, it is important to be aware of the steps to take in the event of a car accident to protect your child and to help them recover from their injuries.

It should come as no surprise, but teenagers are at an increased risk for car accidents when compared to the rest of the population. This is mainly due to their lack of experience in handling sudden or unexpected road, traffic, and weather conditions, but there are other factors at play, as well.

• Did you know that in 2015, more than half of the teenagers and adults (under the age of 24) killed in motor vehicle accidents were not wearing seatbelts? The importance of these safety belts cannot be overstated – there’s a reason it’s the law to wear one.
• Distracted driving. This can range from eating to playing with the radio to talking to friends. Worst of all, especially for younger drivers, it’s using a cell phone. Most teens are absolutely addicted to technology, and some can’t help but to play on their devices while operating behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this carelessness leads to nearly one in every four fatal teenage accidents every year.
• Alcohol and drugs. Drugs account for almost one in every five motor vehicle driver deaths every year. Drinking and driving make up 28 percent of that total number, and teens, despite the use of drugs and alcohol being illegal, are at even more of a risk. Don’t do it.

Still, accidents do happen, sometimes even when the driver is doing all he or she can to protect themselves. When crashes or collisions do occur, the injuries they suffer as a result can be severe. As parents, you want to be aware of the steps you need to take to protect them in filing a claim.

Teen Car Accidents and Dealing With Insurance Companies

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents and injuries are a leading cause of death among teenagers. More than 2,300 youths are killed each year, while close to 240,000 other adolescences suffer potentially serious and debilitating injuries.

The Texas Department of Insurance notes that the driver responsible for the accident is required to pay for any damages other drivers or passengers suffer as a result. With that said, the state minimum insurance requirements may or may not be enough to cover the total amount. This is true in New Mexico, as well. It is also important to realize insurance companies are in business to make money, and one of the ways they do this is by denying or downplaying claims. Before signing any documents or accepting any settlement amounts, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney.

Helping Your Teen Recover after a Car Accident 

As parents, there are steps you can take to protect your teen’s right to compensation in a claim. These include:

• Tell your son or daughter never to say sorry. Saying sorry implies guilt, and this can come back to bite you if the insurance companies begin to investigate the event. In fact, advise him or her to avoid making any statements that could implicate them in the accident.
• Make sure your child reports the accident to the police and exchanges information with other drivers involved.
• Get the names of any witnesses at the accident scene, if possible.
• Be sure your teen knows to take photos of all the vehicles involved, the places where the accident occurred, and of their injuries.
• Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
• Have your teenager seek medical care immediately, even if the accident or their symptoms seem minor. There are many types of potentially serious car accident injuries, which have symptoms that can take days or even weeks to appear. Getting medical attention right away and following all of the doctor’s instructions regarding follow-up care and activity restrictions will help them to recover while protecting their rights in a claim.

It is important to educate your child on all they should do if they are ever in this sort of situation. The better informed and prepared they are, the better off your family will be when it comes time to make your case and settle.

Our Texas and New Mexico Car Accident Attorneys Are Here to Help

The Lovett Law Firm is here to provide the experienced, professional legal representation you need when accidents and injuries occur. Reach out and contact our Texas and New Mexico car accident attorneys to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case and how we may be able to help today.