Getting a driver’s license is a major right of passage for teenagers and a significant step towards independence. However, most parents have mixed feelings about their teen’s driving. While they no longer have to chauffeur their child everywhere they need to go, parents also worry about their child’s safety as they venture out on the road alone. Unfortunately, parents’ concerns for their teen driver’s safety are not unfounded.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen drivers have a higher rate of car accidents than older, more experienced drivers. Before handing over the car keys, talk to your teen driver about the importance of obeying the rules of the road, avoiding unsafe driving behaviors, and what to do if they are involved in a car accident.
What Are the Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach?
The moments immediately following a car accident can be extremely stressful and overwhelming, particularly for a newly licensed driver. It is highly recommended that you talk to your teen driver about what to do if they are ever involved in a car accident. This can make the situation far less stressful and ensure that their legal rights are protected if the other motorist is at fault.
The following are the steps all motorists should take after a car accident:
- Never leave the scene of the accident. Even if your teen driver caused the accident, make sure they understand that they must never flee the scene, particularly if the other motorist was injured. Doing so will likely be considered a hit-and-run, which has severe consequences. Wait for the police to arrive, even if it is a minor accident.
- Report the accident. Call 911 immediately to report the accident so that dispatch can send a police officer to the scene. Notify dispatch if there are injuries involved so that they can send an ambulance to the scene as well. The responding officer will fill out a police report, which will include important information about the accident and may specify who caused the accident. This can be used as evidence if your teen driver intends to pursue a personal injury claim.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Even if your teen driver’s injuries do not appear serious, make sure that they understand how important it is to seek medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries, like whiplash, internal injuries, or head injuries, may not be immediately apparent. If your child delays treatment, the injury could become more serious.
- Collect evidence. Discuss the importance of taking pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicle, your teen driver’s injuries, skid marks or debris on the road, and any other evidence that can help prove fault.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Share driver’s license numbers, contact information, and insurance information. Explain to your teen driver that they should avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an apology, as this can be used against them in the claims process.
- Notify the insurance company. You can walk your teen driver through the process of notifying the insurance company about the accident and initiating the claims process.
What Can I Do to Support My Teen Driver After a Car Accident in Virginia Beach?
Accidents can be a traumatic experience, whether you just got your driver’s license or you have been driving for decades. However, for newly licensed teen drivers who are still developing their driving skills, a car accident can leave them feeling anxious and afraid to get back in the driver’s seat, even if they were involved in a minor fender-bender. Keep the following tips in mind as you discuss the impact the accident had on your child:
- Acknowledge their feelings. It is normal for your teen driver to feel a range of emotions following a car accident, including fear, embarrassment, and anxiety. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and let them know that their feelings are completely normal.
- Be patient. Your teen driver may be reluctant to drive after the accident. Be patient with them and help them regain their confidence by driving together until they are comfortable driving alone.
- Consider counseling. If your teen driver is experiencing extreme anxiety about driving, a professional counselor may be able to help by recommending effective coping strategies and tools to manage their anxiety.
What Can My Teen Driver Do to Avoid a Car Accident?
While your teen driver cannot control how other people drive, they can make safety a top priority and keep the following safety tips in mind at all times:
- Obey the speed limit. In addition to being a traffic violation, speeding can increase the severity of an accident due to the extreme force of impact.
- Avoid distractions. Do not talk or text on the phone while you are driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for approximately five seconds, which is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded if trailing at a speed of 55 mph.
- Practice defensive driving. Maintain a safe following distance, yield to the right of way, be courteous, and pay attention to other drivers who may not be driving safely or responsibly.
- Do not drink and drive. Never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Even a small amount of drugs or alcohol can cause a range of impairments that can significantly increase the risk of a serious car accident.
Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal Group Represent Teen Drivers Involved in Car Accidents
If your teen driver was involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact the Virginia Beach car accident lawyers at Anchor Legal Group. Whether your child was at fault or the other driver caused the accident, we will protect your legal rights, determine who is liable for the accident, and assist you with the claims process if the other driver was negligent. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. We are located in Virginia Beach.