This post: When Your Teen is in a Car Accident: FREE Car Accident Checklist Printable
Not long ago, my teenage daughter was involved in her first car accident. The first thing she did, (after bursting into tears and having a full-blown panic attack) was call me.
Her voice was quivering, she was physically shaking and she was completely dazed as a result of what just happened. Fortunately, the accident was a minor fender bender, no one was injured, and happened just a few blocks from our home, so my husband and I were able to jump in the car and be by her side within minutes.
Despite the fact that my husband and I had given our daughter a brief run-through on what to do if she was ever in an accident, when we arrived at the scene, it was clear she was at a complete loss on what to do. She was asking my husband things like, “Daddy, what should I do?” “The police are on their way. Do I tell them it was my fault?” “Should I move the car to the side of the road?” “I don’t know what to do, Dad!”
Getting a call from your child that they’ve been involved in a car accident is every parent’s worst fear. And, considering the scary teen driving statistics, parents have every right to worry.
Nearly every parent goes above and beyond teaching their teen the rules of the road, making sure they have plenty of experience behind the wheel before they take to the road by themselves and offering hours of lectures on what to do and what not to do while driving. I know I certainly did.
By the time my kids officially got their driver’s license, they were so tired of hearing me offer up every worst-case driving scenario and how they should handle it, they were ready to scream.
But despite our attempts to keep our teens safe on the road, accidents do happen. In fact, more likely than not, statistically your teen will be involved in at least one accident during their first year of driving.
What I quickly learned as a parent, is that I spent so much time teaching my daughter how to drive, I fell short in another area… what she should do if she’s ever involved in a car accident.
That’s why I decided to create a “Car Accident Checklist” so my kids could keep it in the glove compartment of their car and pull it out in case of an emergency. After speaking with a police officer who offered insight on the “dos and don’ts” when you’re involved in an accident, I compiled all the necessary information – all on one convenient sheet.
When Your Teen is in a Car Accident: FREE Car Accident Checklist Printable
The Car Accident Checklist Includes:
Accident Checklist
When your teen is in a car accident, the upset and trauma can leave them bewildered and confused on what to do. The Accident Checklist outlines the key things your teen should do so they don’t miss anything important. From checking for injuries FIRST and calling 911, if needed, to collecting pertinent information from the other driver involved in the accident, this section lays it out in black and white.
Do NOT…
Just like there are a few “dos” when you get into a car accident, there are also a few “don’ts.” Things such as never leaving the scene of an accident, not admitting blame or fault to the other driver, and avoiding signing anything from the other driver involved in the accident are a few critical “don’ts” teens should know.
About the Accident
The date of the accident, the time of day, the exact location (address/intersection/road), and details of the accident, including the weather conditions and any other factors that may have contributed to the accident, are all important details that should be written down so your teen has documentation of the details of the accident.
Other Driver/Vehicle Information
It’s important to document information about the other driver involved in the accident including their name, address, telephone/cell number, email, driver’s license number, and the state in which the license was issued. This section also allows room to jot down the other driver’s vehicle make, model and year so your teen has it on file.
Other Driver Insurance Information
If the other driver doesn’t mind, ask if you can take a picture of their insurance card – front and back. If they’re not agreeable, be sure to write down the driver’s insurance company name, the insurance policy number and the insurance contact number (typically found on the back of the card).
Police Information (If the Police Have Been Called to the Scene)
If the police have been called to the scene, collect information from them as well so you have a record of who handled the accident, including the police officer’s name, badge number, phone/contact number, and the accident report number. Quite often, police officers will offer a copy of the accident report on sight.
Witnesses/Passengers Contact Information
If there’s any question about who’s to blame for the accident (and even if there isn’t) it’s always a good idea to collect the name and contact information of passengers in both vehicles and those who witnessed the accident. Their testimony could prove helpful to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Sketch of Accident
While not completely necessary, if the driver is able to create a simple sketch of the accident, it will help create a visual of the accident to keep it fresh in their mind.
Additional Thoughts to Pass Along
Please advise your teen to be extremely careful exiting their car after they’re involved in an accident. If the accident took place on a busy road and other cars are speeding past, it can be downright dangerous. Tell your teen to exit the car when traffic is clear and stand as far over to the side of the road (or off the road completely) to ensure their safety.
Don’t let your teen be caught off guard and at a loss for what to do if and when they’re involved in a car accident. Download the FREE Car Accident Checklist Printable so they know exactly what steps to take.
Download the FREE Car Accident Checklist Printable here!
FREE CAR ACCIDENT CHECKLIST PRINTABLE
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