{"id":7224,"date":"2022-03-09T09:41:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-09T09:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/301webdemo.com\/oegema\/?p=7224"},"modified":"2026-02-06T04:54:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T04:54:33","slug":"what-to-do-if-your-child-is-involved-in-a-major-collision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ona.ca\/blog\/what-to-do-if-your-child-is-involved-in-a-major-collision\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do if Your Child Is Involved in a Major Collision"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

It\u2019s the middle of the night when you suddenly get woken up by a phone call: it\u2019s your child, and they have just been in a car accident. While most parents hope that they never receive this call, it\u2019s undeniable that driving comes with its risks. Unfortunately, most teenagers are not equipped to handle the aftermath of a car accident. It\u2019s important that you, as the parent, can support them and guide them through what may be a traumatic experience. Here are the most important steps you and your child should take following a car accident.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Avoid Panicking\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Make sure your child does not drive away from the scene of the accident. They are likely overwhelmed, shocked, scared, and\/or angry after the crash. Try your best to help them calm down, so they are better prepared to handle the stress of the situation. For example, ask them to take deep breaths or count to ten.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Keep Themselves and Others Safe\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Ask your child if they can drive the vehicle. If there are no injuries and the car is still driveable, make sure they move the car out of traffic to avoid other damages and possible injuries. However, if they cannot get out of the vehicle, or if it\u2019s not safe to do so, ask them to keep their seatbelt fastened, turn on their hazard lights, and call 911 for help.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Check For Injuries and Call The Authorities\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Your child should check on everyone involved in the accident. Note that not all injuries are visible. If your child or anyone involved starts feeling unwell, call 911. Your child should be ready to give the dispatcher key information, including:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Their name and phone number<\/li>\n
  2. Details about the emergency. For example, if there is a fire or a medical emergency.<\/li>\n
  3. The location of the emergency. The dispatcher needs to know exactly where your child is. Ask your child to give as much information as possible, including the road name or number, travel direction, and the nearest exit number.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    On the other hand, if there are no injuries and both vehicles can be driven away safely, police officers may not need to be sent to the scene. In this case, call the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, where the officer will ask you some questions to assess your situation, provide you with a report number, and refer you to a collision reporting centre.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t

    Take Detailed Photos and Notes<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    An accurate record can help the court and insurance agencies decide which party is responsible. Your child must take detailed written notes and photos of the accident scene, which may include:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t