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What Happens When a Car Accident Involves a Child?

By Karnas Law Firm |

Just like adults, children are protected by the law in the event of a personal injury accident. Children are susceptible to injuries from defective toys, playground equipment, electrical outlets, animals, and automobiles. If they are injured as a result of the negligence of another party, you should file a claim to receive compensation for damages. 

After an accident involving children, parents might have many questions. Discuss your case today with a Tucson Car Accident Attorney to protect your rights if an accident affects you and your child. 

Car Accident Statistics Involving Children

What Happens When a Car Accident Involves a Child?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more children below the age of 19 years die from accidents than from other sources. The statistics revealed that more than 9,000 children die from accidents, and close to 9 million children visit the emergency department, annually. These injuries result in an annual cost of nearly $11.5 million.

The CDC also revealed that more than two-thirds of children were fatally injured while riding with a driver under the influence. Lung injuries are more common in children than adults in accidents. Children should be placed in size and age-appropriate car seats to reduce the fatal injuries by half.

What Are Your Options After Your Child Is Injured?

What Happens When a Car Accident Involves a Child?Car crash injuries can have devastating effects on the lives of anyone involved, especially children under the age of 12 years. Therefore, you will likely be stressed seeing your child injured in an accident. When it happens, remain calm and follow these steps to help your child receive compensation after an accident:

  • The first thing should always be seeking medical attention. There are various things you should do at the scene, but the priority should always be health and well-being.
  • The second most important thing to do is to call the authorities and make a crash report. It will be helpful in strengthening your claim.
  • Ensure you talk to no one else apart from the police at the accident scene.
  • You should also inform your insurance, depending on your specific policy. Some policies strictly require that you contact them within a specific period to provide coverage.
  • Collect contact information from other drivers and witnesses, take photographs, and gather any other evidence that is necessary to strengthen your claim against the negligent driver, which includes photographs of the injuries and surroundings. 

    Why Work With an Attorney

    What Happens When a Car Accident Involves a Child?Compensation is essential because it covers medical expenses, which could include surgery costs, ambulance rides, therapy, and doctor visits. You will also be paid for lost wages during the days you cared for your child at home. 

    These are known as economic damages. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and other non-monetary damages your child experienced as a result of the injury. An attorney will help gather evidence, cross-examine witnesses and handle negotiations with the insurance. 

    If your case goes to court, an experienced attorney will fight on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. More importantly, they offer legal advice every step of the way to protect your rights. Call the offices of Karnas Law Firm to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.

    Call (520) 462-3886 to discuss your case for free.