Handing your teen your car keys after they obtained a learner’s permit is a big moment full of apprehension and excitement. It’s not always smooth sailing, especially in the event of their first accident. Fortunately, they will have a trusted adult over the age of 21 in the passenger seat to ensure they appropriately respond in this type of emergency situation. Similarly to responding to accidents with a driver’s license, you must prioritize safety and move off the road, call law enforcement to the scene, exchange information, and follow specific steps to protect your rights in a car accident claim.
When your teen has their learner’s permit, you trust that the supervising passenger is not taking their position lightly as they mentor their developing driving skills. However, accidents happen even if your teen drove with an exceptional duty of care. The Rizk Law lawyers have recovered millions on behalf of car accident victims and are prepared to fight for you.
What to Do if Your Teen Was Involved in an Accident With a Learner’s Permit
A learner’s permit grants teens under 18 the same driving privileges as someone who holds an Oregon driver’s license, with certain restrictions. Whenever behind the wheel, they must be accompanied by a person who has a valid driver’s license and is at least 21.
In the event of a vehicle accident, you must do the following steps to ensure everyone’s safety and protect your legal rights in a car accident claim:
1. Move Off the Road
Stop at the scene and do your best to move your vehicle off the road without blocking or endangering other drivers. Hit and runs are a serious crime in Oregon. Check yourself over for any injuries. If you feel reasonably safe, you can check on others involved in the accident.
2. Aid the Injured and Call Law Enforcement
Provide necessary aid to injured people after calling 911. If someone has suffered a serious injury, it is best to wait until emergency personnel arrives at the scene. When law enforcement arrives, answer any questions and describe what happened. Obtain a copy of the police report, as it may be vital evidence in a car accident claim.
3. Exchange Essential Information
You must exchange specific information with the other driver. You may also obtain contact information from any witnesses at the scene, including the following:
- Name
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance information
Along with reporting the accident to law enforcement and the Oregon DMV, you must also report it to your car insurance company. Speak with the Rizk Law lawyers for an assessment of your claim and legal guidance regarding reporting accident details to car insurance adjusters.
As a former insurance insider, Attorney Richard Rizk is well-versed in insurance defense tactics and understands how to stay steps ahead to obtain the complete compensation you deserve.
4. Protect Your Legal Rights
In addition to taking the legal steps necessary after a car accident, your teen should also take a number of steps to ensure their legal rights are protected in a car accident claim. If your teen suffered injuries or other accident-related losses, it is essential to take the following steps to bolster a future car accident claim:
- Seek medical attention, even if you believe your injuries may be minor
- Preserve evidence by taking pictures and videos of the damages and accident scene
- Write a detailed account of the accident to remember important information
- Notify your employer of your accident and injuries
- Speak with a car accident lawyer promptly
The Rizk Law lawyers understand how to build a robust claim if your teen was involved in an accident with a learner’s permit. We conduct an extensive investigation into the accident and obtain evidence demonstrating fault. With unwavering advocacy, we work to recover the complete compensation you deserve if you were harmed because of someone else’s negligence.
5. Report the Accident to the Oregon DMV
Oregon accidents must be reported to the DMV if your collision meets any of the following:
- $2,500 in damages to any vehicle involved in the accident
- If any vehicle was towed from the accident scene
- Over $2,500 in damage to personal property
- Personal injury or death
If any of these apply to your teen’s accident, you must report your accident to the Oregon DMV within 72 hours. If you fail to report the accident, your license may be suspended.
Speak With the Rizk Law Lawyers About Your Oregon Car Accident Claim
If your teen was involved in an accident with a learner’s permit, it is essential to remember to protect their legal rights to just compensation. If they were harmed due to someone else’s negligence, the Rizk Law lawyers have recovered millions in settlements and verdicts with proven and tailored legal strategies to help you on your road to recovery.
Schedule a free case review by calling (503) 245-5677 or filling out our contact form.
