Teenage drivers are at a higher risk of getting into a car accident than adults for a multitude of reasons. Here’s a list of basic steps to take if you or your teen are involved in a motor vehicle collision. 

Get to Safety 

The most important thing someone can do after a car crash is to get out of the way of traffic, if they can. Pulling their car to the side if possible or getting out of the vehicle can reduce the risk of a second accident.  

Contact Authorities 

Like adults, teens should call 911 or the police as quickly as they can. If anyone is injured, this should be the first step they take before moving their vehicle. It’s important to follow the instructions of the authorities – they will walk drivers through what to do next. 

Get the Other Driver’s Information 

Teens should exchange contact information with the other driver if possible, regardless of who they think might have caused the accident. Getting the full name, address, telephone number, and insurance policy information of the other driver is crucial. If there are any witnesses to the accident, drivers should try to obtain their contact information too and ask if they would be willing to provide a witness statement. 

Contact Their Parents 

Teens may want to call their parents at the scene of the accident or shortly after. It’s important that young drivers call the authorities before they call their parents though, especially if someone is injured. 

Teens may not know if they should call the police or not, but the answer is always “yes” in the event of an accident, regardless of the severity of the collision. Even minor “fender benders” should be reported and authorities dispatched to the scene. 

Get a California Car Accident Lawyer 

Once all medical needs have been met and the accident has been reported to the police, teens and their parents should get legal help. If the other driver was at fault – regardless of their age – they should be held responsible. It’s also unfair for accident victims to have to shoulder the financial burden of recovery from a collision that wasn’t their fault. 

Zink & Lenzi Personal Injury Lawyers are veteran Chico car accident attorneys that can help teens and their parents recover physically and financially after a collision. Call today for a consultation at 530-895-1234.