What to Do After an Auto Accident

If your teenager calls you and informs you that they have been in a car accident, it is important not to panic. Take a deep breath, calm them down, and then assess the situation.

Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office, we know that teenagers and driving are not always the perfect mixture, with driving inexperience, youthful decision making, and sometimes drugs and alcohol playing a harmful role. Our car accident lawyer is well versed in dealing with teen car accidents, and we will stand by your side in court if it comes to that.

Teenage Drivers in Iowa and Nebraska

While both Iowa and Nebraska have a teenage driving instruction system known as the graduated driver’s license, the laws in the two states slightly differ. In both states, driving is an adult responsibility that must be taken seriously to keep you and others safe and protect your privilege to drive. In Nebraska, school driving permits can be obtained at 14 years and two months, while in Iowa, what is known as the instruction permit process can begin at age 14. After this, intermediate license and full driver’s license stages follow in Iowa, while Nebraska has the learner’s permit, Provisional Operator’s Permit, and unrestricted driver’s license stages.

In both states, your permit may be suspended if you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, violate any restrictions on your permit, or cause or contribute to a crash. While the majority of teenagers respect the law while driving, our accident lawyer will tell you that without experience, even the best of intentions can be forgotten. Teenagers have the lowest rate of seat belt use, and car crash risk is especially high during the first few months after getting a driver’s license, largely due to a lack of experience.

What Parents Should Do in Case of An Accident

If the worst happens and your teenager gets in an accident, don’t panic. If the accident is serious, there are physical injuries involved, or you require assistance with legal matters, reach out to our DUI defense attorney. Not only do we take care of DUIs, but we also will take care of any other issues surrounding the accident.

At the actual scene of the accident, you should inform your teen to do the following:

●    Call 911, even if there is not an injury

●    Get them to a safe place, out of traffic

●    Do not accept or place blame

●    Take photos of the damage done to both cars, the road, the scene, and the direction each vehicle was facing.

●    Exchange information with the other driver.

●    Get a copy of the accident report

After leaving the scene of the accident, you will find that liability issues, claim details, and insurance companies will follow. To deal with these, it is often your best route to hire an experienced attorney.

Siouxland Car Accident Lawyer

Whether your teen was in a car accident in Iowa or Nebraska, the attorneys at Fitch & Stahle Law Office can help. We will work to defend what you deserve.

Reach out to us at 402-494-3012.