Every year, car manufacturers come out with new technology that increases the safety of their vehicles. From more and better airbags to automatic braking systems, car safety has come a long way since vehicles were first introduced over a century ago.
Even the most affordable cars on the market, including those purchased or handed down to young and new drivers, contain some of this technology. Not only does this technology help us drive better, but also it can keep us safer if we get into a car accident. According to a recent study, this technology provides the greatest benefit to younger drivers, mostly because of their inexperience behind the wheel.
Overview of Crash Avoidance Technology
Crash avoidance technology varies from car manufacturer to manufacturer. However, the one constant across all vehicle models is that cars with crash avoidance technology keep young drivers safer.
The study from the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute found that crash avoidance systems benefit younger drivers more than older and more experienced drivers. The study also concluded that there were substantial reductions in both the frequency of accidents and the severity of injuries and property damage in accidents involving cars with crash avoidance technology being driven by drivers under the age of 25.
Young drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle with crash avoidance technology are involved in fewer accidents, and the accidents they are involved in are less deadly. Specifically, lane departure and forward collision warning systems kept young drivers the safest. This is mostly because younger drivers are inexperienced and tend to look at their phones more frequently, making them distracted, something that can quickly be a deadly combination.
Some drivers find this technology to be annoying and turn the systems off. Especially for younger drivers, this can be a deadly decision. Although it might seem annoying at times, crash avoidance technology is designed to keep you and other drivers safe on the road. Turning it off does no one any good.
Steps to Take after a Car Accident
When your child gets into a car accident, it can cause you the most intense worry and concern you have ever experienced. You would give anything to change places with your child, especially if they have been injured. Knowing what to do after they get into an accident is important to preserving evidence that someone else was to blame.
Call 911. Whenever a car accident happens, calling 911 is the best first step. Even if your child has not been injured, you still want a record of the accident. That is precisely what the police will do when they arrive. They will speak with all drivers and passengers, along with any witnesses to the accident. They will compile this information into a police accident report. Although this report may not assign fault, it will provide objective evidence about how the accident occurred. This can be useful to proving that your child did not cause the accident and should not be held responsible.
Speak with witnesses. When the police arrive, they will speak with any witnesses. However, not all witnesses will wait around for the police, especially in minor accidents. Therefore, it is always best to speak with witnesses yourself and at least get their contact information so your legal team can speak with them later. Witnesses often provide insight into the seconds leading up to a car accident, which can help to prove your child played no part in causing the accident.
Take pictures and video. There is almost no better way to collect and preserve evidence of the car accident than taking pictures and video. Make sure you get images of the damage to each vehicle as well as of the entire accident scene. Also, take pictures of any injuries suffered, as this can help show the severity and evolution of the injuries. The images you take can also provide clear evidence about what happened to cause the accident.
See your family doctor. Even if your child is not complaining about pain, have them see your regular doctor. If your child was treated at the accident scene for medical issues, follow up with your physician. No one knows your child’s medical history better than your family doctor, so seeing them not only can put your mind at ease that your child is alright, but also your doctor can help chart a course for your child’s physical recovery. They can also provide additional information about how your child’s life has been affected by their injuries, evidence that could help increase the amount of compensation you receive.
Contact your insurance company. Whenever anyone is in a car accident, they need to let their insurance company know. However, especially if your child was not at fault for the accident, make it absolutely clear that you are not trying to file a claim with your insurance company. Filing a claim can make your premiums go up and, if the other driver was at fault for the accident, their insurance company should be the one to cover your child’s medical bills and expenses.
Speak with a lawyer. The best way to protect your child after a car accident is to speak with an experienced lawyer. Your legal team can investigate your child’s accident and work to hold the negligent party liable for the accident and any injuries suffered by your child. Although money might be the last thing on your mind, collecting maximum compensation will help ensure that your insurance rates do not go up and you do not have to pay out of pocket for your child’s medical expenses.
Proving Damages
When you file a personal injury claim for damages against the other driver, you are alleging that the other driver was negligent and caused the car accident in which your child suffered injuries. To be successful, you need to show the following:
- The other driver owed your child a duty of care to drive safely.
- The other driver breached that duty of care by driving negligently, recklessly, or carelessly.
- The other driver’s breach of duty resulted in a car accident.
- Your child suffered injuries or car damage in that accident.
It might seem obvious to you that all these elements occurred. But proving them to a legal standard might be more challenging. It may require substantial evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the other driver, especially if they deny they were at fault.
Working with a trusted legal advisor can help you overcome those arguments. Your lawyer may also be able to help your child by collecting compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Present and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Car repair costs
Even minor accidents can cause thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs. Do not overlook the need to file a personal injury claim to collect maximum compensation from the negligent driver. Doing so might be your only way to ensure that your child gets the compensation necessary to receive the medical attention they deserve to get them back to their regular and active life.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC, Help Young Drivers Involved in Accidents
Car accidents range from minor fender-benders to serious and life-threatening collisions. When your young driver is involved in an accident, it can make your own heart stop. Knowing how to handle the situation is key to making sure that your child gets the medical attention they need. To help guide you, speak with the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. Call us today at 215-569-4888 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Abington, and Media, Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware; and Haddonfield, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.