Parents: Teaching Teens About How To Handle Car Accidents In Miami
Car accidents in Miami can shake up even the most seasoned of drivers. When it involves an inexperienced teen, they are even more likely to panic, which can cause them to make important mistakes. It is important for parents to make teens aware of how to handle this situation. Our Miami car accident lawyers offer important tips that can help protect them and their rights in filing a claim.
Teen Car Accidents In Miami
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries among teens. Factors that put them at risk include:
- Lack of maturity: Teens are more likely to engage in dangerous behavior, such as speeding, running red lights, and driving under the influence.
- More likely to be fatigued: Teens rarely get enough sleep and are more likely to be tired, which has many of the same impacts on driving abilities and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- More likely to be distracted: Teens are more likely to get distracted by cellphones, changing car stereo settings, passengers, or things occurring outside the vehicle.
- Lack of experience: Teens have spent less time behind the wheel than other motorists and are less likely to respond appropriately to sudden, unexpected events, such as a car pulling out in front of them.
Make Sure Your Teen Knows What To Do If A Car Accident In Miami Happens
Driver Inexperience can increase teen car accident risks. It can also leave them unsure of what to do in the event a crash or collision does happen. This can make them more likely to flee the scene, resulting in potential criminal charges. It can also cause them to blame themselves and downplay their injuries, impacting their rights in a claim.
An October 4, 2022 Miami Times report provided tips for parents on teaching teens what to do in the event of a crash. These included staying calm, notifying police immediately, remaining in their vehicle if the other driver gets angry or aggressive, and asking law enforcement to notify you, their parents. Other tips we recommend to protect them include:
- Avoid admitting liability: Do not admit blame or speculate about the cause of the crash.
- Do not downplay personal injuries: Regardless of the severity of symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
- Make sure passengers get medical attention as well. They should not hesitate to call an ambulance if they suspect their friends are hurt.
- Gather evidence: This includes getting names and contact information for witnesses, who may have seen what happened, and taking photos at the scene.
Contact Our Miami Car Accident Lawyers
If your teen is involved in any type of crash or collisions, reach out to Pita Weber Del Prado right away. We protect their rights in filing a claim and help them get the compensation they need to recover. To request a consultation, call 305-670-2889 or contact our Miami car accident lawyers online today.
Sources:
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html
miamitimesonline.com/lifestyles/teaching-teens-to-manage-car-accidents/article_a05950f2-44cb-11ed-83de-dfdd89d9850e.html
