Spin off - what would/did you do in a traffic accident? Advise your teen?

[Anonymous]

Let's say the teen rear-ended someone (this is a hypothetical). They pull over. And the person rear-ended starts yelling at the kid, trying to force into giving information, admitting fault, etc.

What do you advise your child, if you are not with them at the time, in that situation?

I hadn't given a ton of thought to this situation until reading the other thread. (And also recently an adult opened his door into my kid's car while kid was still in it. Adult saw her and didn't stop or acknowledge what he had done. Kid was too scared to say anything and the adult knew this. I doubt he would have just kept going if it were another adult.)

Thoughts? Advice? To the extent the state laws make a difference, we are in VA.

[Anonymous]

If the teen feels threatened, I'd advise them to stay in their car and call the police. If they feel they can talk the person, all they need to provide is their insurance information. They don't have to say anything else. If you rear-ended someone you probably are at fault, just FYI.

The teen can also call their insurance company and talk with them about they should do.

[Anonymous]

Agree with above - exchange information and get the other persons. They can say things like "i'm sorry" or "ok" if the other person is insisting its their fault without worrying about it. Each insurance company will see if there's any proof to whose fault it was and if not then they'll both find their driver wasn't at fault and cover their driver but refuse to pay for the others car.

Also - move so they're not blocking traffic assuming their car is drivable. And generally not bothering to wait for police if no one is injured, they don't need to come and often wont.

[Anonymous]

I watched a teen drive right into my parked car as he was attempting to part in tight lot. I politely confronted him and he was arrogant. I asked him for his insurance information, etc and he said he didn't have any of it and he had to go in for an appointment. He was unapologetic. I suggested he look again. He pretended to look and said he didn't have it and went into the building. That is when I got the police involved. Guess, what? He had it everything we needed.

I would advise your teen to be respectful and not to like. I know it's scary, but part of adulthood is being accountable and taking responsibility for your actions. I would have considered letting it go if he had not been disrespectful. In the end it cost me too because my rates went up even though I was not at fault.

[Anonymous]

(1) In a rear-ending incident, fault is beside the point because according to the law, the rear driver is always at fault. You don't have to warn your teen about not admitting fault because it doesn't matter. You should train them to ask if the other driver or their passengers are okay, and to call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.

(2) Make sure they know how to pull over and be safe (only getting out on the curb side, setting a flare if there is no shoulder, etc.).

(3) Make sure they know how to exchange info with another driver. With cell phones this is very easy. The other driver is not "demanding their info." They are getting the insurance info they need to report the accident. This is appropriate. Makes sure your teen knows where the insurance info is and what documents they need from the other driver as well.

(4) If the other driver is aggressive or behaving in an unpredictable way, tell your teen to call the cops and then get in their vehicle with the doors lock and wait until the cops arrive. After they call the cops, they should call you.

[Anonymous]

Oh and one more thing, since this has come up for me:

Do not tell your teen to try and get the other driver to not report the incident to insurance.

I don't know if there are a lot of parents out there who apparently think they can make an end run around rising insurance rates by doing this, but it's a sure fire way to piss off the other driver. To me if someone asks to deal with an accident where they were clearly at fault (rear-ending) without insurance, it's a big fat red flag that either they've done this before or may try to screw me (or their parent may try to screw me). Don't do this. Insurance was designed for this specific situation, and asking a driver you just hit to handle it without insurance is NOT okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:(1) In a rear-ending incident, fault is beside the point because according to the law, the rear driver is always at fault. You don't have to warn your teen about not admitting fault because it doesn't matter. You should train them to ask if the other driver or their passengers are okay, and to call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.

(2) Make sure they know how to pull over and be safe (only getting out on the curb side, setting a flare if there is no shoulder, etc.).

(3) Make sure they know how to exchange info with another driver. With cell phones this is very easy. The other driver is not "demanding their info." They are getting the insurance info they need to report the accident. This is appropriate. Makes sure your teen knows where the insurance info is and what documents they need from the other driver as well.

(4) If the other driver is aggressive or behaving in an unpredictable way, tell your teen to call the cops and then get in their vehicle with the doors lock and wait until the cops arrive. After they call the cops, they should call you.

Wow what horrible advice. First in a rear end it is not always your fault (most of time it is) and you should never admit fault. You should never ask if other driver is injured.

Last accident I literally handed lady the paper copy of my insurance card (just a copy) and left. Very very little conversation.

Later she “claimed” neck hurt when she called my insurance. I truthfully could say no mention of this at scene. And it was a rear end but she swerved into my rear end. She shifted lanes quickly as something in road her left rear tailight broke my front right headlight as she crossed over.

My insurance said it was she said he said so we each pay. She had no collisions coverage. As such I paid out if pocked and since she did not report her insurance no accident on my record.

Her car a piece of crap, a junkyard bumper and tailight all she needed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:(1) In a rear-ending incident, fault is beside the point because according to the law, the rear driver is always at fault. You don't have to warn your teen about not admitting fault because it doesn't matter. You should train them to ask if the other driver or their passengers are okay, and to call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.

(2) Make sure they know how to pull over and be safe (only getting out on the curb side, setting a flare if there is no shoulder, etc.).

(3) Make sure they know how to exchange info with another driver. With cell phones this is very easy. The other driver is not "demanding their info." They are getting the insurance info they need to report the accident. This is appropriate. Makes sure your teen knows where the insurance info is and what documents they need from the other driver as well.

(4) If the other driver is aggressive or behaving in an unpredictable way, tell your teen to call the cops and then get in their vehicle with the doors lock and wait until the cops arrive. After they call the cops, they should call you.

Wow what horrible advice. First in a rear end it is not always your fault (most of time it is) and you should never admit fault. You should never ask if other driver is injured.

Last accident I literally handed lady the paper copy of my insurance card (just a copy) and left. Very very little conversation.

Later she “claimed” neck hurt when she called my insurance. I truthfully could say no mention of this at scene. And it was a rear end but she swerved into my rear end. She shifted lanes quickly as something in road her left rear tailight broke my front right headlight as she crossed over.

My insurance said it was she said he said so we each pay. She had no collisions coverage. As such I paid out if pocked and since she did not report her insurance no accident on my record.

Her car a piece of crap, a junkyard bumper and tailight all she needed

This is psychotic. Asking if people are okay is just basic human decency and I can't imagine hitting another vehicle and not checking to make sure if anyone was hurt. What if the driver has a concussion and there are injured kids in the backseat that the driver is not cognitively able to help? You're just going to say nothing, hand over your insurance card, and drive away?

People like you are why that other thread about people losing it exists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh and one more thing, since this has come up for me:

Do not tell your teen to try and get the other driver to not report the incident to insurance.

I don't know if there are a lot of parents out there who apparently think they can make an end run around rising insurance rates by doing this, but it's a sure fire way to piss off the other driver. To me if someone asks to deal with an accident where they were clearly at fault (rear-ending) without insurance, it's a big fat red flag that either they've done this before or may try to screw me (or their parent may try to screw me). Don't do this. Insurance was designed for this specific situation, and asking a driver you just hit to handle it without insurance is NOT okay.

Maybe you should not be brake-checking.

BYW also not cool to be shaken down by people. My daughter tapped a guy very lightly he demanded $1,500 cash or call my insurance to Jack my rates

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:(1) In a rear-ending incident, fault is beside the point because according to the law, the rear driver is always at fault. You don't have to warn your teen about not admitting fault because it doesn't matter. You should train them to ask if the other driver or their passengers are okay, and to call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.

(2) Make sure they know how to pull over and be safe (only getting out on the curb side, setting a flare if there is no shoulder, etc.).

(3) Make sure they know how to exchange info with another driver. With cell phones this is very easy. The other driver is not "demanding their info." They are getting the insurance info they need to report the accident. This is appropriate. Makes sure your teen knows where the insurance info is and what documents they need from the other driver as well.

(4) If the other driver is aggressive or behaving in an unpredictable way, tell your teen to call the cops and then get in their vehicle with the doors lock and wait until the cops arrive. After they call the cops, they should call you.

Wow what horrible advice. First in a rear end it is not always your fault (most of time it is) and you should never admit fault. You should never ask if other driver is injured.

Last accident I literally handed lady the paper copy of my insurance card (just a copy) and left. Very very little conversation.

Later she “claimed” neck hurt when she called my insurance. I truthfully could say no mention of this at scene. And it was a rear end but she swerved into my rear end. She shifted lanes quickly as something in road her left rear tailight broke my front right headlight as she crossed over.

My insurance said it was she said he said so we each pay. She had no collisions coverage. As such I paid out if pocked and since she did not report her insurance no accident on my record.

Her car a piece of crap, a junkyard bumper and tailight all she needed

This is psychotic. Asking if people are okay is just basic human decency and I can't imagine hitting another vehicle and not checking to make sure if anyone was hurt. What if the driver has a concussion and there are injured kids in the backseat that the driver is not cognitively able to help? You're just going to say nothing, hand over your insurance card, and drive away?

People like you are why that other thread about people losing it exists.

People are also scum my other daughter has accident was visible injured, had concussion and wrist injury and old lady was screaming at her never asked if hurt. Then turned around claimed whiplash for cash after no mention at scene.

I was in a triple roll over and broke three bones, and tons of stitches in backseat of car and driver who was fine did not ask me anything. He was worried about being sued. he was right. I did sue him. I have been hit 3x times in 40 years no one says sorry it is my fault. I am liable, are you injured?

[Anonymous]

Take lots of picture, get their information and let insurance deal with it if your teen hit someone or they were hit. If your kid hit someone you should pay.

[Anonymous]

My kid got hit by another kid. First thing out of the other kids mouth was, my parents said to get your information and for you to not call your insurance. My kid knew enough to take pictures of both cars and the other kids insurance card. Well as expected, the other kid had multiple accidents and parents wanted a all cash transaction. My kid called our insurance, told them what happened and dealt with everything. I was very impressed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let's say the teen rear-ended someone (this is a hypothetical). They pull over. And the person rear-ended starts yelling at the kid, trying to force into giving information, admitting fault, etc.

What do you advise your child, if you are not with them at the time, in that situation?

I hadn't given a ton of thought to this situation until reading the other thread. (And also recently an adult opened his door into my kid's car while kid was still in it. Adult saw her and didn't stop or acknowledge what he had done. Kid was too scared to say anything and the adult knew this. I doubt he would have just kept going if it were another adult.)

Thoughts? Advice? To the extent the state laws make a difference, we are in VA.

Not sure this applies entirely but I heard some helpful advice by driver ed teacher recently for teens experiencing road rage due to their inexperience contributing to making error on road.

I would double check with drivers Ed school in Va in case laws slightly different.

1. Pull over if it is safe to do so, wind up windows and lock doors.

2. Put on emergency blinkers as cars are required to treat parked cars with emergency lights on the same as emergency vehicles in Md

3. Do not engage with driver if they are aggressive and irate.

4. If an accident, call your insurance and police (if damage likely to be more than $1k) and wait for their advice. By staying at scene of accident you they are showing good faith.

5. If road rage, put up windows, don’t engage, put on emergency lights and drive slowly away. Call non emergency police number to report aggressive driving - they will need location, car, license plate if you have it and direction traveling.

6. For accident - Write down as much relevant info as possible for insurance and police

What happened to cause accident / note any extenuating circumstances such being rear ended due to stopping for emergency vehicle or school bus or whatever
Time
Roads and nearest cross roads location
Car model, color and license plate
Get other car mode, color and license plate

Also regarding car doors - I am teaching our DC to park carefully to avoid car doors being opened onto our car - where possible. Encourage your teen to park in middle of parking spaces and not too close to edges.
Also the car bumper guard rails you can pay to place on doors/ car body are worth the extra cost to minimize dints.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's say the teen rear-ended someone (this is a hypothetical). They pull over. And the person rear-ended starts yelling at the kid, trying to force into giving information, admitting fault, etc.

What do you advise your child, if you are not with them at the time, in that situation?

I hadn't given a ton of thought to this situation until reading the other thread. (And also recently an adult opened his door into my kid's car while kid was still in it. Adult saw her and didn't stop or acknowledge what he had done. Kid was too scared to say anything and the adult knew this. I doubt he would have just kept going if it were another adult.)

Thoughts? Advice? To the extent the state laws make a difference, we are in VA.

Not sure this applies entirely but I heard some helpful advice by driver ed teacher recently for teens experiencing road rage due to their inexperience contributing to making error on road.

I would double check with drivers Ed school in Va in case laws slightly different.

1. Pull over if it is safe to do so, wind up windows and lock doors.

2. Put on emergency blinkers as cars are required to treat parked cars with emergency lights on the same as emergency vehicles in Md

3. Do not engage with driver if they are aggressive and irate.

4. If an accident, call your insurance and police (if damage likely to be more than $1k) and wait for their advice. By staying at scene of accident you they are showing good faith.

5. If road rage, put up windows, don’t engage, put on emergency lights and drive slowly away. Call non emergency police number to report aggressive driving - they will need location, car, license plate if you have it and direction traveling.

6. For accident - Write down as much relevant info as possible for insurance and police

What happened to cause accident / note any extenuating circumstances such being rear ended due to stopping for emergency vehicle or school bus or whatever
Time
Roads and nearest cross roads location
Car model, color and license plate
Get other car mode, color and license plate

Also regarding car doors - I am teaching our DC to park carefully to avoid car doors being opened onto our car - where possible. Encourage your teen to park in middle of parking spaces and not too close to edges.
Also the car bumper guard rails you can pay to place on doors/ car body are worth the extra cost to minimize dints.

In Md teens with provisional licenses are not allowed any cel phone use while driving - so reporting aggressive driver to non emergency police would require them to be fully stopped safely (with emergency lights on if on shoulder of road) .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the teen feels threatened, I'd advise them to stay in their car and call the police. If they feel they can talk the person, all they need to provide is their insurance information. They don't have to say anything else. If you rear-ended someone you probably are at fault, just FYI.

The teen can also call their insurance company and talk with them about they should do.

I'm aware of this. But regardless of that, wanted to see how other people advise their children. Especially the 16-18 crowd.