No parent wants to consider that their child may be in a car accident, but most drivers will at some point be involved in a collision. For teens, being in a crash is especially traumatizing. They may not have the experience to know how to deal with such a situation. Some teen drivers worry about getting “in trouble” or end up getting blamed for causing an accident that wasn’t their fault.
A serious injury or trauma sustained in a car accident can affect the trajectory of a teen’s life. A serious injury can impact future earnings and mobility. The upset of a serious crash can lead to depression and can affect school performance and mental health.
Here are some things parents can do to protect their teen drivers:
- Review best practices before your child is in a crash. When your teen first gest their license, discuss what they should do if they’re ever in an accident. First among what they should do: get medical help, call you, and take photos of the scene. Discussing the possibility of a crash prepares your child in case they’re ever in the situation.
- Talk about it. If your child has been in a collision, make sure you talk about the crash together. Check in and make sure your teen knows it’s safe. If your child seems to be struggling and you’re noticing changes in personality or sleeping or eating habits, encourage your child to speak to a therapist or counselor.
- Encourage your child to not post on social media. Teens tend to post on social media about everything, but posting about a crash, even on accounts set to “private,” can affect insurance claims and legal claims.
- Talk to an attorney together. It can be intimidating for your teen to talk to an attorney. If your child has suffered serious injuries, though, consult with a car accident claims attorney together to discuss compensation. There’s no harm in at least finding out whether you may have a case.
- Keep an eye on your child’s injuries. If your child seems to be getting worse, consider seeking a second medical opinion about their injuries. Make sure your teen is follow doctor’s orders and getting the required treatment.
- Help your child take care of the details, including the documentation. Your teen may not realize they need to keep receipts, notes of any expenses related to their injury, and any paperwork related to their claim. Review the records you need together.
- Support your child in getting back behind the wheel. Your teen may need a confidence boost and some support to feel comfortable driving again. You may want to have your teen drive with you or a trusted adult at first, until they feel good about driving again. You may want to encourage your teen to get additional driver training or even counseling to help them feel confident as a driver again.
If your teen has been injured in a car accident and you’re wondering what to do, contact Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney who can talk to your family about next steps. Someone is available at our phone lines 24/7, so we’re always ready to talk.