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When your teen is in an accident, you have countless questions and concerns running through your mind. It’s common for any parent or guardian to wonder what they should do in such a situation. The first thing you should do is contact a New Jersey personal injury attorney.
Your attorney can assist you in making sure you follow the proper channels regarding your teen’s accident. Furthermore, it’s important to understand the law and your rights to ensure that you are prepared for what lies ahead.
If you don’t know what to do between now and when you meet with your attorney, the information below will provide you with guidance and direction.
Call 911/Report Accident
If your teen’s accident just occurred, their safety and the safety of anyone else involved are your first priority. As you are likely not with them, your first instinct is to ask a million questions. But what’s most important is determining whether anyone is injured and calling 911.
Even if no one is hurt, you still need to report the accident. Calling 911 can direct you to the proper authorities to ensure that your teen’s accident is properly and legally recorded.
Don’t Accept Blame
Tell your teen not to accept blame under any circumstances. Moreover, they shouldn’t place blame, either. Leave that up to the insurance companies.
Collect Information
Have your teen collect as much information as they can if they aren’t injured. This includes taking photos of the damage, their license plate, and the overall scene of the accident. Using their phone, have your teen also get essential data, such as:
- Police information (badge number, arrival time)
- Make, model, and year of vehicles involved
- Personal information of other drivers
- Weather and road conditions
- Witness names
- Time and date
- Location
- Speed
Once your teen safely returns home, you want to make sure you are there to answer any questions when discussing the matter with your insurance company. Neither you nor your teen should sign any paperwork. Leave that to your insurance company.
You will need to file a claim with your insurance company, which you and your teen can do online. This is a good opportunity to show your teen how to do this.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You’re probably wondering if you can be sued in a scenario where your teen is responsible for the accident. What often happens in these lawsuits is that the parent is accused of being negligent in allowing their teen to operate their vehicle.
Therefore, you should speak with your insurance company to discuss what’s covered under your plan. Ideally, your insurance limit has enough funds to take care of any injuries without touching your personal assets.
Moreover, if you have already been served a personal injury lawsuit, you should contact your insurance company right away. You should then contact a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the challenging waters associated with teen accidents. Our attorneys are prepared to help you, contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.