Your child's safety is the priority. To ensure your child is safe after a car accident, it is crucial to take certain steps at the scene. Here’s what you should do if your child was in a car accident:
- Check on your child. Check them for injuries and ask if they're hurt. Even if they say no, it's important to call 911 for emergency medical services.
- Call the police. Speak with the officer who responds to the scene and file a police report. This report will be important for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
- Obtain contact information. Get the name, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver involved. Also, get the same information from any eyewitnesses at the scene.
Even if your child was checked for injuries at the scene, it is still in their best interest for you to take them to a follow-up medical evaluation. The true extent of their injuries may only be revealed through a medical examination. Taking them to your physician or a nearby urgent care facility can help diagnose potential injuries early and speed up treatment for any injuries. This is especially crucial in the case of life-threatening injuries.