The Call No Parent Wants to Receive: Preparing Your Teen for a Car Accident

It’s the call every parent hopes never comes. 

Your teenager has just started driving themselves to school. Maybe you’ve finally gotten everyone out the door and settled into your workday when your phone rings. On the other end is a shaky voice: 

“Mom, I’ve been in an accident, and I don’t know what to do.” 

As a personal injury attorney, I’ve spoken with many families after that phone call. As a mother, I have received that phone call and, like any mother, my heart immediately dropped.   It doesn’t matter whether the accident is minor or serious. In that moment, your only concern is your child. 

The reality is that many of our teens will eventually experience a fender bender, a close call, or an accident. While we can’t prevent every situation, we can help prepare them for how to respond.  

Before that call ever comes, take a few minutes to talk through a simple plan with your teen. 

First, make sure they know to check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, they should call 911 immediately. Safety always comes first. 

Next, remind them to stay calm and (usually) remain at the scene. Panic is a natural reaction, but taking a deep breath and focusing on the next step can help them think clearly.  (The most valid reason for leaving the scene is to get help and then return.) 

Once everyone is safe, they should call law enforcement and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Encourage them to take photographs of the vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, license plates, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be valuable when reporting the accident to insurance companies or answering questions later.  

Many of the questions that arise after a motor vehicle accident involve details that are easiest to capture immediately. Memories fade, vehicles are moved, and road conditions change. 

One of the most valuable lessons we can teach young drivers is knowing what not to say. They should be polite and cooperative, but they should avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened. The facts will be sorted out through the proper process. 

Consider keeping a simple checklist in your teen’s glove compartment with emergency contacts, insurance information, and a few reminders about what to do after an accident. In a stressful moment, even responsible teenagers can forget information they know by heart.  (Also, feel free to stop by our office and ask for a free magnet that is a good reminder of the five most important things to do after an accident.) 

And then comes the most important step: 

Call Mom. Or Dad. Or the trusted adult who can help guide them through the next few hours. 

One thing I encourage families to discuss before an accident ever occurs is who they would call if they needed guidance. Most parents have a family doctor, an insurance agent, and emergency contacts saved in their phones. Having a trusted attorney identified ahead of time can provide additional peace of mind if questions arise after a serious accident. 

Not every accident results in a legal claim. However, understanding what happened, preserving information, and seeking appropriate medical care can help families make informed decisions if questions about liability or insurance coverage arise later. 

As a personal injury attorney, I have seen how overwhelming an accident can be for families. As a mother, I understand the emotions that come with receiving that phone call. While we cannot shield our children from every challenge they will face, we can give them the tools and confidence to handle difficult situations safely and responsibly. 

Hopefully, your teen never has to make that call. But if they do, both of you will be grateful you had a plan. 

From your local personal injury attorney—and, more importantly, from one mom to another—a little preparation today can bring a lot of peace of mind tomorrow. 

Read more at houserinjurylaw.com.

Jackie Houser of Houser Injury Law serves clients across eastern North Carolina. An attorney, leader, and community advocate, she is passionate about advocating for the injured and ensuring individuals and families have the knowledge and resources to navigate personal injury challenges.