If your teen is ever in a car accident, consider this: Were they driving? If so, were they driving a vehicle registered in your name? Were you in the car with them? Were there other passengers involved, and were they injured? Is your teen at fault?
A Helpful Reminder for Before & After An Accident
We understand that accidents are often caused by circumstances out of your control as a parent. You may have done your best to educate your teen on driving defensively, staying alert, avoiding distractions, and paying attention to the weather. So treat this advice as a helpful reminder, especially if you find yourself on the phone with your child immediately after an accident.
1. If They Were Driving
- Safety First
If they call you after an accident, make sure your child is safe. If possible, they should move the vehicle to a safe location out of traffic.
- Call 911
Report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.
- Exchange Information
Instruct your child to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved.
- Evidence
Also encourage them to take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions.
- Witnesses
If there are witnesses, they should get their contact information as well.
2. If They Were Injured
- Medical Help
Even if injuries seem minor, they need to get a medical evaluation fast.
- Follow-Up Care
Schedule follow-up care, and make sure your child attends all subsequent appointments and follows the prescribed treatment plan. Some injuries may not immediately show up after the accident, like a concussion, so consistent monitoring and treatment is really important.
- Detailed Records
During these follow-up visits, keep detailed records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses. You will absolutely need this information if you plan on seeking compensation from the insurance company.
3. If a Passenger Was Injured
- Check Passengers
Your child needs to check with each person in the car and immediately call 911 if there are even minor injuries. Again, severe injuries don't always show up right away.
- Insurance
They also need to report the accident to your insurance company and give them details about the injured passengers.
- Liability
If your child is at fault, you as the parent may be liable for the passengers' medical expenses and other damages. So keep thorough records of all communications and medical documents related to each passenger's injuries.
4. If They Were Driving Your Car
Thankfully, your auto insurance typically covers your child if they were driving your vehicle with your permission. This also simplifies the claims process after an accident. Please make sure you update your policy once your teen gets his or her license. If not, those claims might be denied and you'll be looking at out-of-pocket expenses.
Also be aware that your insurance premiums might increase if your child is found at fault for the accident.
Also be aware that your insurance premiums might increase if your child is found at fault for the accident.
5. If the Accident Was Their Fault
- Cooperate
Most importantly, make sure you advise your child to cooperate fully with the police investigation.
- Do NOT Accept Fault
They need to tell the truth but also be careful not to be quick at taking the blame. In some cases, he or she may feel responsible immediately after an accident, but there were other factors outside of their control. The other driver may have been speeding or distracted. The surrounding environment - rain or road conditions - may have also contributed. You don't want the insurance company placing them at-fault before the accident has been investigated.
- Insurance
With that said, he or she still needs to notify your insurance company and provide all the requested information. Depending on the circumstances, your child (and by extension, you) may be liable for damages.
Things to Consider
- Emotional Support
Car accidents can be traumatic for new drivers. We know some teens who were deathly afraid to drive after an accident. You should make sure your teenager has access to mental support if needed, and maintain open lines of communication with them about their feelings and experiences following the accident.
- Educational Opportunities
Encourage your teen to take additional driver safety courses to improve both their driving skills and their confidence. As the parent with plenty of experience on the road, consider training him or her on how to respond in the future.
Final Advice
CALL AN ATTORNEY! Especially if there's an injury involved, you need legal representation to help you navigate through conversations with the insurance company, dealing with medical professionals, gathering evidence, and seeking compensation. As the parent, your focus should be on your child while your attorney puts the rest on their shoulders.
Alisa Wilkes is a Jacksonville car accident lawyer. As a mother of four, she knows firsthand how stressful it can be when your teenagers start driving. More importantly, she knows how to help you and your child get through the hard parts of an unexpected accident.