Teach Your Teenage Driver What to Do After a Car Accident
Road collisions are the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 5 and 29. In 2019 there were 36,096 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes. The number of fatalities has decreased in 2020, however, this does not change the fact that motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of deaths in the United States. Car accidents are dangerous, deadly, and life altering. These fatalities succumbed to their injuries due to impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving. Therefore, after an accident we need to protect our young drivers by giving them these important facts, as instructions to follow after an accident.
what’s next?
- CALL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. If there is some type of bodily injury after the accident, it is important to call for medical assistance. If there has been a bodily injury, a medical team can come on site to potentially save someone’s life.
- CALL THE POLICE. After the car accident, call the police. Calling the police is essential because they are able to gather the facts of the accident and write out citations. Generally, there is some type of property or bodily damage after an accident and the police report is essential in putting the proper parties on notice of what happened and who is at fault after the car accident.
- TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEO. Getting pictures and footage of the scene of the accident is essential. You should record the damages of the accident. Take pictures of your vehicle, the opposing driver’s vehicle and license plates, the intersection, the police involved, and any other potential contributing factors of the accident. If you are too hurt to take pictures, you should call a family member or friend immediately to take pictures of the scene of the accident.
- EXCHANGE INFORMATION. Exchange photo Identification and any other identifying information of the opposing party. Sometimes officers fail to get this information and it is important for you to have this information for insurance claim purposes.
- FILE A CLAIM. Put your insurance company on notice that you’ve been in a motor vehicle accident. Also, let the opposing party’s insurance company know that there has been an accident. When a claim is filed, you will likely be able to get your accident expenses taken care through your car insurance contract or the defendant drivers insurance contract.
- SHOW UP TO COURT. Go to court and identify yourself as the complaining witness so the local authorities will proceed on the case. If the opposing party admits guilt, this will help in later court proceedings.
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident and need the assistance of an Attorney, please call us here at Brown & Crouppen. We will walk you through the process and ensure that your needs are taken care of. Getting into a car wreck is life changing but we are here to help you through the process. Thank you for reading thus far.