Getting a driver’s license is a monumental event for a teenager, giving them the freedom to get around more. However, it is likely a time of anxiety and stress for the teen’s parents. Accidents are a leading cause of death for young adults. Issues that make teenagers more susceptible to accidents include:
- Inexperience: Many teens do not understand the risks of driving a vehicle, and they can be immature and lack both skills and experience to operate a car safely.
- Distractions: Teens are easily distracted, especially a teen with a cellphone. However, other passengers, especially teen passengers, can be distracting as well. In fact, research has shown that when a teenager drives with another teen in the car, the chance of them getting into an accident doubles.
- Speeding: According to the CDC, teenagers are more prone to speeding and following too closely to other drivers, which can lead to a serious crash.
Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent a teenager from getting into a car accident, and if you cannot prevent an accident, you can help prepare your teenager should one ever occur:
- Do not panic: Your teenager may panic after a car accident. Remind your teen to always remain calm, to call you, and let them know you are not angry with them. Your main concern, as well as theirs, should be their safety, and they need to take steps to protect themselves. If you are able to go to the scene of the accident, do so, as this can help keep your teenager calm.
- Prepare: You can prepare an emergency kit in your teenager’s vehicle to help them become more comfortable in the event of an accident. They should have a first aid kit and a phone charger with them.
- Be safe: Remind your teenager that their safety is of utmost importance. Let them know that if anyone is injured, including themselves, to call 911 right away, even if the accident seems minor. Remind them to put their hazard lights on and move the car away from traffic if possible.
- Talk to the police: It is a good idea to call 911 and have a police officer come to the scene, even if there are no injuries or the damage seems minimal. A police officer will listen to your teenager’s account, but make sure they state the facts and that they do not admit fault.
- Contact the insurance company: Remember to call the insurance company and report the accident involving your teenager. The insurance process may help them assume responsibility.
Media Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Help Teenage Drivers Who Have Been Injured in Car Accidents
If your teenage driver has been injured in an accident, one of our Media car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. can help. Call us at 610-565-3701 or fill out our online form for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we proudly serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.