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Learning to drive is an exciting time for young people. Unfortunately, student drivers can’t always control other people’s actions, and they sometimes make mistakes that result in crashes. This is part of the learning process for student drivers, yet many parents worry about these scenarios.
If your child gets hurt in an accident during a driving lesson, don’t panic. Once you’ve called emergency medical personnel and reported the crash to the police, follow these steps to protect your child and preserve your legal rights:
Document the Accident
Evidence from the crash scene can make a huge difference in determining who caused the crash and who is liable for your child’s injuries. You want to collect as much evidence as possible before it disappears or deteriorates.
If possible, take photos or video of the crash scene for later reference. Make sure to record the damage to every vehicle involved in the crash, the relative positions of the vehicles, the angle of impact, and any visible hazards in the area. It’s also a good idea to get contact information for anyone who witnessed the crash, as their accounts might support a future personal injury claim. Finally, look for nearby traffic or surveillance cameras that may have captured the crash.
Notify the Driving School
Most Mississippi driving schools have insurance to cover injuries or property damage from a crash involving a student driver. Ask the driving school about their insurance coverage to see if it may apply to the accident involving your child.
That said, be careful about what you say to the driving school, as you don’t want to imply that your child caused the crash. The driving school’s insurance policy might only cover certain injuries or situations, so stick to basic questions about the driving school’s coverage and how you can file a claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If your child crashed while driving a family car, it’s vital to notify your car insurance company right away. Depending on your policy and coverage, your insurance company might cover some or all of the injuries your child sustained. Even if your insurance won’t cover your injuries, most insurers require you to notify them of an accident within a few days or weeks. Your insurance company might also help you recover compensation from whoever caused the collisions and their insurer.
Keep Track of Your Child’s Medical Treatment
Thorough documentation of your child’s injuries, treatments, and medical expenses is essential for a personal injury claim. Make copies of your child’s medical records and bills, then store them in a secure place for later reference. It’s also a good idea to start a journal tracking your child’s treatments, recovery progress, and how their injuries affect their daily life. This evidence can help you recover compensation for your child’s pain and suffering.
Avoid Discussing Fault
Don’t discuss the accident or who may have caused it with anyone other than your attorney. Be particularly careful about what you post on social media. A seemingly innocent post or photo could undercut a personal injury claim by making your child’s injuries seem less severe than they are.
Consult an Attorney
Talk to a North Mississippi car accident lawyer about the crash as soon as possible. They can investigate the collision, determine who’s liable for your child’s injuries, file an insurance claim against the liable parties, and negotiate on your behalf for a fair settlement.
Contact Our North Mississippi Car Accident Lawyers Now
Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman can help you recover fair compensation for your child’s injuries after a crash during a driving lesson. With our decades of legal experience and proven track record, you can trust us to protect your rights and help you recover the money you need to care for your injured child. Call our Southaven or Hernando office now or reach out online for a free consultation.
