What should my teenager do if they are in a traffic collision?

The roads can be dangerous for inexperienced drivers. If your teenager is in an car accident, knowing what to do following a collision can help protect their rights and the integrity of the accident claim. The steps they take after a car crash can also have a major impact on the type and amount of compensation they're entitled to. At MVP Accident Attorneys, our car accident lawyers can help you and your teen pursue compensation for their injuries and other accident-related damages.

Common Causes of Teen Auto Accidents

Due to their inexperience, teens are at a higher risk of being involved in an auto accident. However, that doesn't mean if they’re involved in a collision that the car accident was their fault.

In California, some of the common causes of auto accidents include:

• Driver inexperience
• Risky driver behavior
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Driving while intoxicated

Important Steps Your Teen Driver Should Take After an Auto Accident

If your teenager has been involved in a car accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect their rights and ensure they receive the compensation that they may be entitled to. The car accident lawyers at MVP Accident Attorneys can help you and your teenager with this process.

Contact 911

The first step for your teen should be to remain calm. After an accident, emotions can be high and adrenaline can be running. It is important to remain composed and refrain from engaging in heated arguments with the other driver. If they are injured or other passenger vehicle occupants are injured, or there is extensive vehicle damage, they should contact 911 and wait for a police officer to arrive.

Turn On Hazard Lights

If the vehicle is operational, it should be moved to the side of the road to prevent an additional accident. They should also turn on their hazard lights.

Gather Evidence

Next, your teen should use their cell phone to take photos of the scene of the accident, if possible. This will help provide evidence for any insurance claim or legal action that may follow.

Photos should include:

• The vehicles involved, the surrounding area
• Any visible injuries
• Traffic signs in the area
• License plates
• Weather conditions
• Debris on the road
• Anything else that may have contributed to the accident

Exchange Insurance Details

It is also important for your teenage driver to exchange contact info with the other driver(s). This includes names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance card and insurance policy information.

Obtain Witness Contact Information

If there are witnesses at the scene of the accident, your teen should record their contact details.

Speak With Police Officers

Once law enforcement arrives, they will fill out an accident report to record all of the details of the collision. When your teenage driver speaks to a police officer, they should give only the facts. When the police officer asks them if they are injured, they should say they do not know, even if they feel fine. There are many types of injuries that do not show up until several hours or days following an auto accident. After they have finished speaking with law enforcement, they will be given paperwork with the information they can use to obtain the final police report.

Seek Medical Treatment

Your teen should then seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if they do not believe they have been seriously injured. This will help document any injuries sustained in the accident and also ensure your teen receives proper care.

Contact a Qualified Car Accident Lawyer for Help

After your teen has been involved in an auto accident, you should contact a qualified car accident lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys to discuss their legal options. The lawyers at MVP Accident Attorneys can help your teen understand what compensation they may be entitled to, and what steps need to be taken in order to protect their rights. They will work closely with you and your teenager, throughout the claims process, handle negotiations with the insurance company, and ensure your child's accident claim and rights are protected. Our legal team is familiar with the tactics used by auto insurance companies to minimize payout or deny a claim. We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance agents and will make sure your child receives compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact MVP Accident Attorneys to Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

By following these steps, your teenager can ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve after an accident.

If your teen was involved in an auto accident, contact a car accident lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys to discuss their case. Our legal team can help guide you and your teen through this difficult process and help you recover the cost of damages related to the collision. Contact our legal team today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.