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Fender Benders: What to Do After a Minor Car Accident

Getting into a car accident can be very frightening and anxiety inducing, especially for new drivers who are still getting comfortable behind the wheel. Having a discussion about what to do after a car crash will prepare your teenager to take charge of the situation rather than panicking.

Your Teen spoke with Randy Veri, a Wickliffe, Ohio policeman, and Karen Leatherwood, an account manager at an Ohio insurance agency to find out the appropriate steps teens should take when they find themselves in a fender bender. Here are their Top 6 Tips.

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What To Do After A Minor Car Accident

1. Never chase.

In a hit-and-run situation, never chase the other car. Try to get the license plate number and a description of the car to report to the police, Leatherwood recommends.

2. Call the police.

Teens should always call the police regardless of who is at fault and then wait for the police to arrive on the scene. You will be expected to provide the police with your driver’s license and insurance card.

3. Remain in the car.

For safety purposes, remain in the car and keep your seatbelt fastened until the police arrive, recommends Officer Veri.

4. Don’t move the cars.

“Don’t move the cars from the accident location, unless your vehicle is blocking a lane on the freeway,” says Officer Veri. ”We need to be able to assess the damage and evaluate who is at fault.”

5. Take pictures and exchange insurance information.

“I see young people panicking all the time. Try to calm down so that you get phone numbers and insurance information from the other driver. And I can’t stress enough to take pictures. That’s just so important,” Says Leatherwood.

6. Tell your parents.

Leatherwood emphasizes that it’s important to let your parents know what happened, and they can assist you with filing a claim with an insurance agent.

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