No parent wants to get the call telling them that their child was in a car accident, but it is something that everyone must be prepared for. These situations are incredibly stressful for a family, and understanding exactly what to do after a relatively serious accident is the single best way to alleviate stress while ensuring that your child is safe and cared for.
Take Control of the Situation
As a parent or guardian of an underage child, you must remember that you are going to be almost completely responsible for everything that takes place in the coming weeks and months. This is especially true if the car was in your name, you share an insurance policy, and the child is currently living under your roof. Immediately contact your insurance provider, inform them of the accident, and then speak with your child about the importance of not talking to anyone or giving a statement until you are there.
Don’t Forgo Professional Medical Treatment
Teenagers are incredibly resilient when it comes to injuries, but they also might be unsure of some of the signs that they have been injured. Common issues such as whiplash and concussions could take hours or even days to notice, and this is why it is always best to seek out medical attention even if there doesn’t seem to be any problems. Unless the accident is extremely minor and everyone is absolutely sure an injury didn’t happen, it is always best to be cautious.
Contact an Attorney
If your child or any other parties were injured, then it is time to contact a car accident lawyer. Teenagers have some of the highest accidents rates in the country and the other driver’s lawyer or insurance provider will do everything possible to prove your child was at fault. Having an attorney take over your case will allow you and your child to focus on recovering from the situation instead of dealing with a lawsuit or out-of-court settlement.
Stay Calm and Supportive
There will be a time and place for punishments and consequences if your child was partially or completely at fault, but it is always best to leave those for another time. Your child has most likely just been through one of the most traumatic experiences in their life and adding even more stress to the situation will increase the risk of mistakes being made.
Auto accidents are not fun for anyone involved, and understanding exactly what must be done afterwards will help you and your child get your lives back on track as quickly as possible.
