Accidents happen, but when they involve your teen, you will likely feel overwhelmed. Knowing what actions to take will ensure their safety, resolve the situation efficiently, and teach them valuable lessons for the future. This guide will walk you through the steps to take if your teen gets into a car accident so you can handle the situation calmly.
Make Sure They’re Safe
The first priority is always safety. Before anything, have them check for any injuries. Remind them to stay calm, turn on their hazard lights, and go to a safe area—if the car landed in the middle of traffic, they should leave the vehicle. If the accident caused any injuries, your teen should call 911 immediately.
Gather Information the Right Way
You might think snapping a few quick photos is enough, but collecting more context is crucial. Tell your teen to gather basic information, such as the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of the other driver(s). Taking pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, and traffic signs nearby can also help. If there are witnesses, suggest they write down their contact information, too.
If the police come to the scene, they will file a report that could be critical when dealing with insurance claims. Teach your teenager to communicate respectfully with officers and ensure they provide accurate information without admitting fault.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Calling your insurance company should be one of your next steps. They’ll guide you through the claims process and explain what your teen’s plan covers. This is also a good time to have an honest discussion about your current policy.
If your teen has had a history of tickets or accidents, you might find yourself choosing between standard and high-risk car insurance. While standard policies are usually cheaper, high-risk coverage might be necessary depending on your teen’s driving record. Resolving this now can save you headaches in the future.
Help Them Understand the Next Steps
Dealing with an accident is a learning opportunity. Sit down with your teen and go over everything that happened. What could they have done differently? Did they take all the right steps to stay safe?
Accidents can leave teens feeling shaken. A little reassurance goes a long way, so remind them that accidents don’t necessarily mean they’re a bad driver. Help them explore solutions, such as ways to stay more focused on the road or handling difficult situations with confidence.
Think About the Bigger Picture
Lastly, you might want to reassess your teen’s driving privileges and your family’s overall preparedness.
Would a safe driving course rebuild their confidence (and possibly lower insurance premiums)? Do you need to go over proper accident protocols again? Reinforcing these lessons will prepare your teen for if an accident happens again.
When your teen gets into a car accident, it’s all about staying calm, handling the situation responsibly, and using it as a way to teach valuable life lessons.
