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If your teen is going to be driving on city roads, they need to be prepared for car accidents. According to statistics, there are about 6 million car accidents in the United States each year. That's why you need to help them prepare for the possibility. With help from you, your teen can know what to do in the moments following a car accident. Here are four steps that will help your teen. 

Start With Self-Protection

If your teen is involved in a car accident, the first thing they need to do is practice some self-protection. This involves three steps. First, move the car to the side of the road, if possible. Second, turn off the car. Third, check for injuries — theirs and their passengers. Finally, call for emergency assistance. While your teen is waiting for assistance, it's important that they remain in the car. Not only do they not know how badly they're injured, but they risk being hit by other vehicles if they get out of their car. 

Collect Their Own Data

If your teen is involved in a car accident, they'll need to collect their own information. This should include the names and contact information for all of the other drivers involved in the accident. But, there's other information that they'll need to collect. Your teen should also document the time of day when the accident occurred, as well as the driving conditions during the time. In addition, they should also document any unusual circumstances they may have noticed at the time of the accident. For instance, was the other driver on the phone at the time? Or, was the other driving breaking any traffic laws, such as speeding at the time of the accident? This information will be helpful, especially when you sit down with a lawyer. 

Assess Problem Situations

If your teen is involved in an accident, there's a possibility that they'll be forced to deal with problems at the accident scene. It's important that they know how to handle those situations. Some problem situations include hit-and-run accidents, uncooperative drivers, and uninsured drivers. First, if your teen is involved in an accident with a hit-and-run driver, make sure they write down as much information as they can about the car. If they can, they should take a picture of the license plate — even if it's as the car drives away. If the other driver stays at the scene but is uncooperative, your teen should sit in their car and let law enforcement gather the necessary information. 

Get Legal Help Immediately

Finally, if your teen is involved in an accident, seek legal help immediately. This is especially important if injuries are involved, or if the other driver is trying to place blame on your teen. A car accident attorney can also be beneficial when hit-and-run drivers or uninsured drivers are involved in the accident. Before you speak to any insurance representatives regarding your teen's car accident, hire a car accident attorney near you.