Handing the keys to your teenage driver for the first time can be a monumental internal moment. There are likely a million and one things going through your mind, and all of them have some kind of twisted, terrible ending.
The truth is that your teenager will likely be just fine, but they may experience a few close calls or even a fender bender along their journey to becoming a skilled driver. It’s important that you teach them the proper steps to follow should they ever be involved in a collision.
Here is a brief overview of some of the most crucial steps to observe after being involved in a car accident.
Quickly check the condition of everyone
Immediately after your teen is in an accident, teach them to quickly assess the physical health of everyone involved. If someone could possibly have a spinal or head injury, don’t move them.
If everyone in the vehicle is only suffering skin deep injuries, then get everyone out of the vehicle. You never know if the vehicle is damaged to the point of catching fire. You may also run the risk of being hit by oncoming traffic. Avoid excess pain, and get to safety.
Move your vehicle to safety if possible
There are plenty of occasions where a car accident is just minor. If your vehicle is still drivable, don’t be afraid to move it to a safer spot out of the way of traffic.
You won’t be breaking any laws, and you won’t risk your insurance claim being skewed by moving the car to the side of the road. It is a common misconception with drivers that they will be in some kind of trouble if they move their vehicle before the authorities arrive.
Notify the local authorities of the accident
Once you’ve checked on everyone and moved the vehicle out of the way of traffic, you should call the local authorities. It’s safe to say that someone else has probably already given 911 a ring, but you should make the call just in case.
Gather information about the scene
Before you even think of leaving the scene, you need to have a conversation with law enforcement. Get your case number from the police, so you can easily get a copy of the police report for your records.
If the accident was not your fault, you may need this information in the future. You may need an accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you are due. Gather as much information as you can directly after the collision for the sake of your possible defense.
Notify your auto insurance agent
Upon your safe arrival at home, you have a phone call to make. Call your auto insurance agent as soon as things calm down to report you’ve been in an accident.
