Has Your Child Been Injured in a Car Accident? Here’s What You Should Know 

Recovery after a car accident can be challenging enough for yourself. But car accidents involving children can be even more harrowing. Not only are you worried about your own physical and psychological needs, but also those of your child.  

If your child has been injured in a car accident in or around Oklahoma City, our car accident attorneys can advocate for your rights and help you attain a fair settlement to aid in your child’s recovery. 

Car accidents pose higher risks for children 

When it comes to car accidents, children are at greater risk of serious injury than adults. Their size and developmental stage can make them more vulnerable during a vehicle impact. 

As seatbelts are designed for adults, it’s important that children are properly restrained by the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their size, and that the seat is installed and fastened correctly. If the car seat is faulty or not adequately secured, it can pose even greater injury to a child in a car accident.  

A child injured in a car accident can be more susceptible to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than adults. Children, especially younger children or infants, are less able to anticipate and understand what has happened in the moments before, during, and after a vehicle collision, which can result in greater shock and anxiety.  

What are the recovery costs for a child injured in a car accident? 

The average settlement for a child injured in a car accident can greatly vary based on the circumstances of the crash and the extent of the child’s injury. A settlement from a car accident can help you cover the costs related to your child’s care and recovery.  

Expenses for your child’s care may include the following: 

Medical care. Funds from a legal settlement or insurance claim can help cover treatments and doctor appointments for you, your child, or any other members of your family involved in the accident. 

Lost wages for parents. If you or your spouse must take time off from work to care for your child or take them to medical appointments, a settlement can help make up the difference. 

Physical or occupational therapy. If you or your child needs physical rehabilitation or occupational therapy, an insurance claim or legal settlement can help cover these costs. 

Home modifications. Depending on the severity and longevity of the child’s injury, it may be necessary to make modifications to your home. These modifications may include wheelchair accessibility ramps, lifts, stability railings, or other equipment. 

Psychological counseling. After a traumatic event such as a car accident, it’s important to see to your child’s mental health. If the injury to your child has resulted in major changes to your family’s lifestyle, it may also be helpful to seek family therapy for everyone in your home. 

Tutoring. If your child’s injuries cause them to miss school for an extended period, they may need a tutor or other form of home-accessible schooling so they don’t fall behind. 

Pain and suffering. Personal injury victims also deserve compensation for the distress they experienced through an accident that was not their fault. A settlement for pain and suffering can further help you and your family recover and improve your quality of life. 

Wrongful death. If your child was killed in a vehicle accident or later died due to injuries sustained in the accident, a wrongful death claim can help cover the costs of funeral services, as well as pain and suffering and family grief counseling. 

What to do if your child has been injured in a car accident 

If your child has been in a car accident, there are a few steps you can take to help them get the care they need for their injuries and trauma. 

Do not remove your child from their car seat. Unless there is immediate danger in leaving them in the car, such as a fire or traffic, leave the child in their seat. The paramedics can assess whether the child is at risk of greater injury by moving them and determine how to move them safely. 
 

Seek medical attention for yourself and your child. Beyond having you and your child assessed by paramedics at the scene, make sure to visit an urgent care facility or your primary care physician within 24 hours. Brain injuries and internal bleeding can take a little while to show external symptoms, but a doctor may be able to detect these types of injuries early. 

RELATED: Do I Really Need to See a Doctor After a Car Crash? 

Continue to monitor your child for any symptoms or behavioral changes. Some injuries don’t show up until later, once the initial shock of the accident has worn off. Even after getting proper medical care, watch for any changes to your child’s behavior such as sleep disruption, vomiting, or unusual changes to their mood or appetite. 

Offer lots of comfort. After a traumatic event, having an understanding parent or caregiver can help mitigate lasting psychological effects. Offer your child plenty of comfort as they process and make sense of the car accident, and let them talk about it if they need to. If you’re able, perhaps take the rest of the day off from work and school so you can rest and recover together. 

Keep all related medical records. From your first emergency room or physician visit to your test results and medical images, make sure you keep all your and your child’s related medical records in a safe and accessible place. This information can serve as valuable evidence when your attorney negotiates with insurance companies or represents you in a court of law. 

Seek legal representation. An Oklahoma City car accident attorney can help you get the most compensation after your child has been injured in a car accident. 

RELATED: What to Expect When You Consult with a Lawyer 

How much time do I have to file a personal injury claim for my child? 

The statute of limitations for a child varies depending upon the age of the child at the time of the accident. If your child has been injured in an accident, you should contact our office so we can properly evaluate the situation as soon as possible. 

Even if you feel like you may have time before filing a personal injury claim for you or your child, we highly recommend not waiting. It takes time to gather evidence and build an effective case for compensation. 

Why seek an attorney after your child has been injured in a car accident? 

Your child’s car accident injury can have lasting effects on their quality of life, as well as that of yourself and the rest of your family. Colbert Cooper Hill’s car accident lawyers can advocate for your family to hold responsible parties accountable and help you receive fair compensation.  

Our attorneys have access to specialists who can fully assess the accident and its effect on your child’s life. These experts include: 

Accident reconstruction specialists to help illustrate exactly how the accident occurred and determine who was at fault.  

Medical specialists to account for your child’s injuries and physical changes to quality of life, as well as what level of care they may need through the future. 

Economic experts to evaluate the damages and assess the amount that recovery from the accident will cost over time. 

With expert support and evidence at hand, our attorneys can fight for compensation at the negotiation table or in front of a jury in a court of law, if needed. 

Contact The Wolf Pack 

If your child has been injured in a car accident, our Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys can help you receive fair compensation to aid in your family’s recovery. Call our office at (580) 271-9672 or fill out our contact form to schedule a complimentary and confidential consultation.  

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. 

Sources:  

https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC28739