Car Accident Checklist for Teen Drivers

You have just learned that your teenage child was involved in a car accident. A million thoughts may be running through your mind. How did the accident happen? Are they injured? Were they at fault?

While these concerns may be quickly addressed once the scene of the accident has been cleared and your child has received medical attention, you may also be wondering what comes next. If your child was injured in an accident through no fault of their own, he or she may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.

The first step is a free consultation with a Milwaukee car accident attorney. During this call, the attorney can review the facts of your teenager’s accident and help you determine whether or not a personal injury case is appropriate.

However, there are several other things you should do as well. In this blog post, we will go over just a few things you can do to help your teenage driver after an accident.

Seek Medical Attention

After an accident, your child’s adrenaline may be pumping. They may not have any visible injuries. Still, it is important to seek a medical diagnosis to make sure there are no underlying injuries. Head trauma, deep bruising, whiplash, and even broken bones may not manifest until hours, or even days, after an accident.

A proper medical diagnosis will help document your child’s injuries, but will also provide the basis for their physical recovery. The physician may recommend ongoing treatment, prescribe medication, and schedule follow up appointments. All of this is to ensure your child’s injuries are treated and do not worsen as time goes on.

Notify the Right People

If your teen calls to tell you they were in an accident, don’t panic. The best way to help them is to call the right people. 

• Call the Police- It's essential to call the police first to file a report, direct traffic, ensure both parties are safe, and assist in removing the vehicles. You should get information from the responding officer as to the name of the other driver and insurance information, if possible.  If the officer is unable to provide you with the information at the scene of the accident, they will likely give the accident report number.  It is also recommended to take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident.  You should also write the names, license plates, and phone numbers of witnesses. The reality is that the police may not capture the names of the witnesses, so it's essential to get this information before they leave. 
• Your Insurance Company - Most teens are listed on their parents insurance. If that is the case, then you should notify your insurer about the accident and let them know there may be a pending claim.
• A Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney - After an accident, your teen may have medical bills, missed school, and property damage to their car. If they were not at fault for the accident, then they may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim.

Deal with the Aftermath at Home

After your teen driver has received medical care and the responsibility of speaking with the insurance companies has been given to your attorney, it is time to deal with the aftermath of the accident at home. Make sure that your teen follows the physician’s prescribed treatment plan and goes to all follow up appointments. This will help them in their recovery.

Get Legal Support from Natasha Misra Law

You want the absolute best care for your teenage driver. At Natasha Misra Law, we provide the care, attention, and personalized approach that your child deserves. From the first consultation through the end of representation, we will work with you and your family to help you make a full financial recovery. Contact us today to speak with a Milwaukee car accident attorney.