Keeping Teen Drivers Safe
Even for an experienced driver, there is some risk of an accident. However, for teenage drivers, the risk of an accident is increasingly higher. Lack of experience and distractions often serve as the primary reason teens are more at risk for being involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you're the parent of a teen, teaching your child safe driving tips and knowing what to do in the event of an accident is important.
Safety Tips
Start out Slow
When your child first gets their license, they will be eager to drive. However, it's a good idea to start them off slow. Limit your child's driving privileges during high-traffic times of the day, such as the morning and evening rush hour. Even if your child passed the written and behind-the-wheel exam with flying colors, driving in heavy traffic takes experience. It's best to start your teen off slow and let them drive more as they gain more experience.
Limit Passengers
If you've spent any time around a group of teens, you know they are often anything but quiet. Whether it's listening to music or talking about the latest high school gossip, having a lot of passengers in the vehicle with your teen can serve as a dangerous distraction. Consider limiting your child to one passenger until you feel more confident in their driving abilities. These distractions can take your child's focus off the road and increase their risk of an accident.
In the Event of an Accident
If your teen is involved in a motor vehicle accident, the first thing you want to do is get your child appropriate medical treatment. After this point, it's a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney. Many people are under the impression that as long as they have insurance coverage, settling the cost of the accident will be a simple task.
However, many parents are shocked to discover that insurance companies are big businesses that aren't necessarily eager to pay out claims. Personal injury attorneys, like Otorowski Johnston Morrow & Golden P.L.L.C., aren't just aware of this information, but they are also familiar with the different tactics insurance companies sometimes use to get out of paying claims. All of this knowledge will prove vital to ensuring your child's medical treatment and damage costs are taken care of.
If you're like most parents, protecting your child is your main priority. You can protect your child by teaching them safe driving techniques and working with an attorney who will work on their behalf to ensure they get any compensation they need and deserve.