There are few situations that are more heart-wrenching than watching a young child suffer. And, very unfortunately, far too many American children suffer each year as a result of serious injuries sustained in car accidents. According to data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 163,000 children were injured in motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roads in 2021 alone.
When a young child suffers serious injuries in a car crash, the emotional and physical toll on both the little one and their family can be overwhelming. In the midst of dealing with medical treatments and care for their child, parents must also navigate the complex financial and legal aftermath of the crash to seek justice and compensation for their child’s injuries. While seeking legal guidance can help to provide parents with personalized feedback about their options, the following “basics” can be helpful for overwhelmed parents to keep in mind.
Personal injury lawsuits
Filing a civil lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for the accident, which may include another driver, a vehicle manufacturer or a government entity responsible for road maintenance, may be the best course of action when a child’s injuries are severe. A lawsuit generally aims to secure compensation for an injured child’s medical expenses, pain and suffering and any long-term care or rehabilitation costs resulting from the injuries.
Insurance claims
When a child’s injuries are relatively minor, parents may opt to lean heavily on insurance claims as a means to cover the costs associated with their child’s harm. Depending on the circumstances of the crash and the insurance policies in place, this might involve filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, their own auto insurance provider under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, if applicable.
When pursuing a personal injury claim, parents will act as legal guardians and representatives for their child, making decisions in the lawsuit on their child’s behalf. It’s important for parents to strongly consider seeking legal guidance, as navigating the legal and financial aftermath of a crash is rarely a straightforward undertaking.
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