4 Simple Things You Need to Do If Your Teen Is Involved in a Crash
Teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are almost three times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash than drivers over the age of 20. And every year, more than 220,000 teens in that same age group suffer injuries in car accidents.
When your child is in an auto accident, it can feel like your whole world is turned upside down. Below, we will explain four simple actions you can take to help them — and help your family’s personal injury case if you choose to pursue one later.
GET YOUR FREE EBOOK: 5 Mistakes to Avoid After an Auto Accident: How to Get the Justice and Compensation You Deserve
1. Remain Calm After the Crash
Whether you’re with your teen when the crash happens or you’re getting a phone call afterward, it is important to stay calm. Being in a car wreck is a traumatic experience for everyone. You can help your teen through this difficult time by providing a calming influence and giving them explicit instructions to focus on.
2. Call 911 or Have Your Teen Call 911
When people get hurt in a crash, prompt medical attention is crucial. Even if injuries seem minor, EMTs can evaluate your teen’s condition at the scene and make informed recommendations about further diagnosis or treatment.
“Not all injuries in car accidents are physical or even visible to the naked eye.”
Not all injuries in car accidents are physical or even visible to the naked eye. Brain injury victims, for example, may at first show no outward signs of injury or trauma. This is one of the many reasons why getting professional medical attention is always the best course of action after a collision. Later, the documents and medical bills related to your post-crash treatment will be important if your family chooses to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Law enforcement will also be a huge help after a car accident. They can direct traffic to keep the area safe, analyze the scene, take statements, create a crash report, and much more. Again, the documentation they provide will be invaluable if you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit after your teen’s crash.
3. Document Evidence Related to the Collision
If it is safe and feasible to do so, you or your teen should document evidence while waiting for law enforcement to arrive or even after they arrive. Below are some suggestions.
- Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information. However, do not talk about the crash. The police can take a statement, and you do not want to say anything that might hurt your case later.
- Take pictures of the scene. Document the damage to the vehicles involved and any other evidence that might be relevant, such as the weather conditions, skid marks on the pavement, or debris.
- Take down the contact information of any witnesses to the vehicle crash. Witnesses can become difficult to track down if you don’t get their information right away.
- Write down or record how the crash happened in your own words. You might not be able to provide a very detailed account, but try to remember as much as you can and get it down on paper or recorded on your phone.
“Document the damage to the vehicles involved and any other evidence that might be relevant, such as the weather conditions, skid marks on the pavement, or debris. “
Much like the medical documents and police reports, this evidence will ultimately help you if your family decides to take legal action after your teen is involved in a crash.
LEARN MORE: Getting Your Bearings: What to Do After a Car Accident
4. Call Crosley Law Firm Right Away — We Advocate for Texas Car Accident Victims
If your teen has been hurt in a Texas car crash and someone else was at fault, make sure your child gets immediate medical attention and then contact Crosley Law Firm right away. We have handled hundreds of car accident cases, and we offer free consultations so you can get answers to your questions and receive candid advice about your legal options. By working with Crosley Law Firm and filing a personal injury claim, your family may be able to get compensation for your teen’s medical bills, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Call 210-LAW-3000 | 210-529-3000 today or fill out a brief online contact form and we’ll get back to you promptly.
READ MORE: Crosley Law Firm Personal Injury Success Stories
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, October 17). Teen drivers: Get the facts. CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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Crosley Law Firm, PC is a professional corporation of trial lawyers focused on representing individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injuries or wrongful death. If you’ve been injured, fill out the form for a free consultation, or call 210-LAW-3000.