There are many milestones during the teen years. Teens start high school, attend their first prom and homecoming dances, and start dating. Your teen may also learn how to drive.

There are millions of car accidents each year, and teens have a greater chance of being in an auto accident than most other people. Consequently, your teen could be injured while riding in a vehicle driven by another teen or be struck by a vehicle driven by another teen when leaving an event, such as a high school football game. You may wonder what you should do if your teen’s injured in a motor vehicle accident. Let’s explore some steps you should take if your teen’s been involved in a car accident.

Hire a personal injury attorney.

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Every lawyer chooses a legal specialty that determines what types of cases they handle when practicing law. A car accident lawyer is an attorney specializing in personal injury law. These attorneys represent people who’ve been injured in motor vehicle accidents, including truck and car accidents.

Your attorney’s law firm will prepare your teen’s car accident case. They’ll file a lawsuit and collect evidence. Your attorney reviews the police report and witness statements and searches for other evidence, such as dashcams and security camera footage they can use to build your teen’s case. They’ll consider the cost of medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering and fight for fair compensation for your teen’s injuries.

Hiring a lawyer allows you to prioritize your teen’s recovery without worrying about preparing legal paperwork or when the statute of limitations expires. Injury attorneys have years of experience, and they’re familiar with case law that can be used to strengthen your teen’s case, ensuring your teen receives the best legal representation possible.

Your teen may need to apply for scholarships if they can’t work.

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Many teens are focused on their future and start saving money for college during high school. Your teen may not be able to work if they’ve been injured in an auto accident, impairing their ability to save funds for postsecondary studies.

Encourage your teen to join an honor society foundation. The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) provides webinars and leadership training programs. Your teen can also learn how to qualify for dozens of other scholarships. NSHSS membership and program participation can also strengthen your teen’s college applications, enabling them to get into their dream school while increasing their chances of receiving an NSHSS scholarship.

Ensure your teen receives appropriate medical treatment.

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Car accident injuries include whiplash, pinched nerves, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and lacerations. Make sure they receive prompt medical treatment and pursue all recommended medical tests to ensure you’re aware of all medical issues stemming from their accident. Your attorney will need that information for your lawsuit, and your doctor will need those test results to determine the best way to treat your teen’s injuries.

Your teen may need treatment from a physical therapist following their accident if their injuries cause mobility issues. Physical therapists use exercise and other treatment methods to help patients regain their balance and increase their range of motion.

Over 39 percent of motor vehicle accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Have your teen see a counselor after their accident to determine if they have PTSD. Therapists help people with PTSD identify triggers that can cause flashbacks and anxiety and help them develop strategies to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. Accident victims may also benefit from talking to a therapist if they find it hard to cope with their injuries.

Car accidents occur every day. If your teen’s in a car accident, you should consult an injury attorney to protect their legal rights. Help your teen find ways to generate income for college and ensure they receive proper medical treatment for health issues stemming from their accident.