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What Teen Drivers Should Know About Car Collisions Before Getting Behind the Wheel

Pianko Law Group 
July 22, 2021

Those aged 16 to 19 are three times more likely to be involved in a car collision than someone 20 and older. The first year of driving is the most dangerous for a teenager. 1 in 4 crash fatalities involve someone who is age 16 to 24 years old, which is twice as high as any other driving age group. According to the CDC, the second leading cause of teenage death in the United States is motor vehicle accidents. Knowing these statistics can reasonably terrify parents, but teaching your teenager about the dangers of driving and what to do in case of an accident can prevent both injury and later headaches with insurance companies and the teen's driving record.

You should teach your teenager these seven steps about what to do in case of an accident before sending the new driver off onto the road:

  1. Remain Calm

Remaining calm may seem obvious, but a car accident is stressful for anyone, especially when it occurs for the first time. Car accidents happen every day and are a part of regular life, so remaining calm and collected can help prevent the accident from becoming any worse.

      2. Check for Injuries

It is critical to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is uninjured or if someone is to call 911. If someone is injured and you are waiting for assistance to arrive, do what you can for the injured victims. If you are able, try to alert other drivers through flares, traffic cones, or turning on your emergency lights.

      3. Report the Accident

Even if no one is injured, someone must call 911 and report the accident. Whoever makes the phone call should describe the accident in as much detail as possible by providing the location, if any injuries occurred, and any other information you can remember about the accident.

      4. Exchange Information

Both drivers should exchange information with each other including; name, address, phone number, and insurance policy. You should make sure your teenager knows to always have their driver's license on them, the registration for the vehicle they are driving, as well as insurance information.

      5. Document the scene

It is important to write down as much information about the accident as possible because details can become confused and forgotten about in the days after an accident. Your teenager should make sure to write down the name of the officer who was called to the scene, names and phone numbers of witnesses, as well as any statements they made about the accident, and anything the driver of the other vehicle says.

Pictures of the accident should be taken after the accident, if safely able to do so. Before anyone moves the vehicles, pictures should document the entire scene of the crash, including license plate numbers, damage to each vehicle, photos of the road documenting skid marks, photos of the full scene, and any property damage.

By having all this information, a fuller picture of how the accident occurred can be painted and will provide compelling evidence for proving fault.

      6. Call Parents/Guardian

Your teenager should always call home after an accident so you can provide them with any additional help and make sure they are all right. Teenagers may be hesitant to call their parents after an accident because of the potential of getting in trouble, but making sure an accident is handled appropriately is important to avoid additional trouble later down the road.

7. Call an attorney

After your teenager is safe and either their injuries are treated or cleared of any injuries, it is important to set up a consultation with an attorney. Here at Pianko Law, we know that the aftermath of an accident can be stressful, but we are here to resolve any issues with this traumatic accident and assist you in receiving the compensation you deserve.

A car accident may seem like a routine part of life, but a serious crash can devastate you and your family. If you or a loved one has been injured in New York during an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and suffering you’ve subsequently endured. Recovering from a car accident can be extremely distressing while negotiating low settlement offers from an insurance company, adjusting to injuries and navigating everyday expenses if you must take a leave from work. Pianko Law firm has helped numerous individuals like yourself and your family recover the compensation they deserve.

Those aged 16 to 19 are three times more likely to be involved in a car collision than someone 20 and older. The first year of driving is the most dangerous for a teenager. 1 in 4 crash fatalities involve someone who is age 16 to 24 years old, which is twice as high as any other driving age group. According to the CDC, the second leading cause of teenage death in the United States is motor vehicle accidents. Knowing these statistics can reasonably terrify parents, but teaching your teenager about the dangers of driving and what to do in case of an accident can prevent both injury and later headaches with insurance companies and the teen's driving record.

You should teach your teenager these seven steps about what to do in case of an accident before sending the new driver off onto the road:

  1. Remain Calm

Remaining calm may seem obvious, but a car accident is stressful for anyone, especially when it occurs for the first time. Car accidents happen every day and are a part of regular life, so remaining calm and collected can help prevent the accident from becoming any worse.

  1. Check for Injuries

It is critical to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is uninjured or if someone is to call 911. If someone is injured and you are waiting for assistance to arrive, do what you can for the injured victims. If you are able, try to alert other drivers through flares, traffic cones, or turning on your emergency lights.

  1. Report the Accident

Even if no one is injured, someone must call 911 and report the accident. Whoever makes the phone call should describe the accident in as much detail as possible by providing the location, if any injuries occurred, and any other information you can remember about the accident.

  1. Exchange Information

Both drivers should exchange information with each other including; name, address, phone number, and insurance policy. You should make sure your teenager knows to always have their driver's license on them, the registration for the vehicle they are driving, as well as insurance information.

  1. Document the scene

It is important to write down as much information about the accident as possible because details can become confused and forgotten about in the days after an accident. Your teenager should make sure to write down the name of the officer who was called to the scene, names and phone numbers of witnesses, as well as any statements they made about the accident, and anything the driver of the other vehicle says.

Pictures of the accident should be taken after the accident, if safely able to do so. Before anyone moves the vehicles, pictures should document the entire scene of the crash, including license plate numbers, damage to each vehicle, photos of the road documenting skid marks, photos of the full scene, and any property damage.

By having all this information, a fuller picture of how the accident occurred can be painted and will provide compelling evidence for proving fault.

  1. Call Parents/Guardian

Your teenager should always call home after an accident so you can provide them with any additional help and make sure they are all right. Teenagers may be hesitant to call their parents after an accident because of the potential of getting in trouble, but making sure an accident is handled appropriately is important to avoid additional trouble later down the road.

  1. Call an attorney

After your teenager is safe and either their injuries are treated or cleared of any injuries, it is important to set up a consultation with an attorney. Here at Pianko Law, we know that the aftermath of an accident can be stressful, but we are here to resolve any issues with this traumatic accident and assist you in receiving the compensation you deserve.

A car accident may seem like a routine part of life, but a serious crash can devastate you and your family. If you or a loved one has been injured in New York during an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and suffering you’ve subsequently endured. Recovering from a car accident can be extremely distressing while negotiating low settlement offers from an insurance company, adjusting to injuries and navigating everyday expenses if you must take a leave from work. Pianko Law firm has helped numerous individuals like yourself and your family recover the compensation they deserve.

PIANKO.LAW – Aggressive Personal Injury Lawyers

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