Every parent of a teen driver fears that late-night call letting them know their child was involved in a serious car accident. Unfortunately, it occurs all too often in Southern California. Fortunately, you can do certain things to minimize the risk of your teen being injured in a Los Angeles car accident.

Practice with Your Child

As a parent, you should spend as much time with your child as possible practicing driving. Many experts suggest that at least 50 hours should be devoted to helping your child learn how to drive before letting them operate a vehicle on their own.

Help Them Understand the Dangers of Driving Distractions

Your child’s biggest threat may be driving distractions. They should understand the risks of taking their eyes off the road, even for a split second. Teach your child about the dangers of engaging in the following activities while behind the wheel:

  • Texting.
  • Talking on the phone.
  • Adjusting radio dials.
  • Getting dressed.
  • Personal grooming, including putting on makeup and fixing hair.
  • Eating and drinking.

It is important to discuss the following:

  • The appropriate curfew based on new driver regulations;
  • How to handle an emergency situation like a car accident or flat tire;
  • The importance of teens letting parents know where they are at all times;
  • The number of passengers that are allowed in the car;
  • Removing distractions like loud music, headphones, food, and drinks;
  • Areas to avoid driving at night;
  • The right and wrong times to make stops-for example, no stopping for gas or food after dark, etc. 

Help Them Identify Road Hazards

Oftentimes, a car accident may not be the result of another driver. Road hazards, especially unexpected ones, are as equally dangerous. You should spend time explaining common road hazards and what they should do, including slowing down, in the event they encounter one. Common road hazards include:

  • Rain.
  • Pedestrians.
  • Potholes.
  • Road construction and crews.
  • Darting animals.
  • Uneven pavement.
  • Other accidents.

Helping Your Teen Prepare for an Accident

No parent wants that midnight call. However, your child runs the risk of being injured every time they get behind the wheel. They should know what to do in the event they are involved in a car accident. Simple steps they should follow include:

  • Calling 911 immediately, especially if they or someone else appears injured.
  • Identifying the other driver, or drivers, and asking for their personal information. This includes name, number, address, driver’s license number, and registration information.
  • Writing down the license plate numbers of every vehicle involved in the collision.
  • Identifying any witnesses and asking for their personal information.
  • Taking as many pictures of the accident scene as possible.
  • Using a piece of paper to jot down any thoughts about the accident.

Explain to Them Who the Insurance Adjuster Is

Your teen will likely be contacted by the insurance adjuster for the other driver’s insurance company. No matter how nice they appear, your teen needs to understand that the person on the other end of the phone is not their friend. They work for the insurance company, whose goal is to discredit your child’s case and pay out as little as possible. They should never speak to anyone following an accident without your consent.

Talk to us

The credibility of your child’s case is critical. That is why you should contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers before talking to anyone. We know how to handle insurance companies and will work hard to get the compensation your child deserves for their injuries.

While visiting our website, feel free to order your complimentary copy of our book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Case.

If you or your teen driver has been injured in a car accident, contact one of our experienced Los Angeles, California car accident attorneys at Steinberg Injury Lawyers at (800) 989-6385. We will evaluate your child’s case for free.
 

Peter Steinberg
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Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Since 1982