Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
The moment your teenager receives their driver’s license is a significant milestone, and when you hand over the keys for the first time you hope your child will never be in a car accident.
Statistics suggest otherwise.
Some studies suggest that over 70% of drivers can expect to be in a collision at some point in their driving lives, with the average American driver experiencing 3-4 accidents in their lifetime. Since new drivers are still learning, they are especially vulnerable to crashes.
If your child is injured in a car accident, the family-based team at Flaxman Law Group has put together this guide to help you support and protect your teen.
What To Do If Your Teen is in a Car Accident in Hollywood
- Stay Calm
Whether you’re at the scene or your teen calls with the news, stay supportive. Remind your teen to move their vehicle to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights. Encourage them to check for injuries and call emergency services if necessary.
- Gather Information
Before emotions run high, instruct your teen to collect essential information, including:
- The name, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of the other driver(s).
- The make, model, year, and license plate number of all vehicles involved.
- The names and contact details of possible witnesses.
- Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, and any car damage.
- Contact Law Enforcement
Even if your teen’s accident seems minor, a police report can provide an unbiased account of the incident, which may be crucial for insurance claims.
- Seek Medical Attention
Ensure that your teen receives a medical evaluation, even if they feel fine initially. Some injuries may not be obvious, and having a medical record can help your claim.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with all the necessary information and documentation, including the police report, photos, and witness statements.
- Consult Flaxman Law Group
If the accident involves injuries, significant property damage, or complex legal issues, consider consulting Flaxman Law Group. Our father-son attorney works with injured drivers to make sure their rights are protected.
- Emphasize Safe Driving Practices
Use the experience as an opportunity to reinforce safe driving practices with your teen. Discuss the importance of following traffic rules, avoiding distractions, and being mindful of their surroundings.
- Consider Driver’s Education Programs
Additional education can help your teen feel more confident getting back on the road and helps them build the strong driving skills needed to prevent additional accidents.
- Talk About It
A car accident, especially for a new driver, can be emotionally distressing. It can shake your child’s confidence or even make them afraid of driving again. Talk frequently about what happened and how they feel about it.
In addition, monitor your teen’s well-being. Look for any signs of changing eating or sleeping patterns, any loss of interest in regular activities, any drops in grades, and any personality changes. These can be signs your child is struggling. If needed, consider professional counseling to help them cope.
After a car accident, your child deserves guidance and support, but unfortunately sometimes other drivers blame the youngest driver at the scene. Getting answers about what happened to cause the crash can make a big difference for your teen. Getting fair financial recovery can also be crucial to help your teen pay for medical care, any car damage, and any other losses.
To seek justice and compensation, you first need to know whether you have a claim. To find out, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626. Our legal team includes a father-son attorney team and we have more than 60 years of experience. Best of all, our compassionate family-based law firm will work to put your child at ease. Contact us for a free accident consultation with a Hollywood, FL car accident claims attorney.