What to Do When Your Teen Is in Their First Car Accident

Every parent dreads the phone call that tells them their teenager has been in a car accident. It’s a moment filled with anxiety, fear, and a multitude of questions. How serious is it? Is everyone okay? What do we do now? At Drazin & Warshaw, we understand the whirlwind of emotions that engulf parents and guardians in these moments. With teenage drivers being particularly vulnerable on the roads, it’s crucial to have a clear plan of action for the unfortunate possibility of a car accident. This guide aims to demystify the process, offering clear, actionable steps and legal insights to support your teen and protect their rights after an accident.

Understanding New Jersey’s Car Accident Laws

No-Fault vs. Traditional Tort Liability: New Jersey allows drivers to choose between a no-fault car insurance system and traditional tort liability. Under the no-fault system, your own insurance company pays for your medical expenses and other losses regardless of who caused the accident, but it limits your ability to sue for pain and suffering. Traditional tort liability allows for more flexibility in suing for damages but requires proving fault.
Legal Obligations After a Car Accident: In the wake of an accident, New Jersey law requires several immediate actions. Firstly, any crash causing injury, death, or significant property damage (typically over $500) must be reported to the police. Failing to do so can result in penalties. Secondly, all parties involved are obliged to exchange personal and insurance information. This exchange is crucial for the steps that follow, including filing insurance claims and any legal action.
The Comparative Negligence Rule: It’s also important to understand New Jersey’s comparative negligence rule, which affects compensation based on the degree of fault. If your teen is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault as long as it’s not more than 50%.

Immediate Steps After the Accident

Ensuring Safety First: The first priority is safety. If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, advise your teen to turn on hazard lights and move the car to a safe location. If there are any doubts about the safety of moving a vehicle or if there are serious injuries, it’s best to leave the vehicles as they are and wait for emergency services.
Reporting the Accident: New Jersey law requires that any car accident resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage be reported immediately to the police. This can be done by calling 911 at the accident scene. If the police do not come to the scene, your teen should file a report with the nearest police station as soon as possible. A police report serves as an official record of the incident and is invaluable for insurance claims and following legal claims.
Exchange of Information: Your teen should obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration number. Encourage your teen to remain calm, polite, and cooperative during this exchange but to refrain from admitting fault or liability.
Documentation Is Key: Taking comprehensive photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries is vital. If there are witnesses, getting their contact information can be immensely helpful. Encourage your teen to jot down their recollection of the accident as soon as possible while the details are fresh in their mind.
Seeking Medical Attention: Even if your teen feels fine, it’s essential to have them checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent. Comprehensive medical documentation is not only essential for health and safety but serves as vital documentation for any necessary legal proceedings.

Communicating with Insurance Companies

Initial Communications: It’s important to inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. However, be mindful of the information you provide. Stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. It’s also wise to instruct your teen not to discuss the accident details with the other party’s insurance company without consulting a lawyer.
Understanding Your Coverage: Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy’s specifics to understand your coverage, including medical expenses, collision damage, and liability. New Jersey’s choice between no-fault insurance and traditional coverage can significantly affect how you’ll proceed. If your policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP), it may cover medical expenses regardless of who is at fault. Understanding these details helps in making informed decisions.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer: Engaging a personal injury lawyer from Drazin & Warshaw early can alleviate the pressure on you and your teen. Our personal injury lawyers will handle all communications with the insurance companies, ensuring that your teen’s rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation entitled under the law.

Legal Considerations and Protecting Your Teen’s Rights

Potential Outcomes and Legal Process: The legal process following a car accident can vary widely, depending on the details of the case. Settlements are common, where the involved parties agree on compensation without going to court. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial. Throughout this process, the focus is on securing fair compensation for damages and injuries sustained, which can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, property damage, and, in some cases, emotional distress.

Contact Drazin & Warshaw Today to Schedule a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Car Accident Claim

In the challenging aftermath of your teen’s car accident, remember that Drazin & Warshaw stands ready to support you and your family. Our team, specializing in personal injury cases resulting from car accidents, offers compassionate guidance and robust legal representation. We’re here to navigate the complexities of your case, advocate for your rights, and secure the necessary compensation to support your teen’s recovery and well-being.

Reach out to us for a consultation at no cost to discuss the specifics of your personal injury case following a car accident.