Can a Child Receive Compensation for Car Accident Injuries?

Personal Injury Claims Involving Children in California

Car accidents are not only a traumatic experience but also a nerve-wracking one when a child is involved. Children are more likely to get seriously injured from a single or multiple-vehicle crash compared to an adult. If your child has gotten hurt in a car accident, it might be possible to pursue a claim for compensation to hold a negligent driver accountable.

Unfortunately, accidents involving children are not as straightforward as it seems. While all injury lawsuits are similar in some ways, children younger than 18-years-old need assistance from parents or guardians to proceed. At Grey Law, our personal injury lawyer for claims involving minors is well-versed and experienced in handling such claims. We take any child injury seriously and act immediately to help you recover costs for your financial burden.

Car Accidents Are on The Rise in CA

In 2020, California reported around 3,723 motor-vehicle accidents, according to Statista. Sadly, in recent years most deaths resulted from car accidents involving passengers, truck collisions, and motorcycle accidents. The state has even become one of the highest-ranked for DUI-related fatalities and death behind the wheel. Children need protection at all costs. These facts alone are why a dedicated attorney for child injuries in LA will work hard to defend your case and pursue the highest settlement possible.

Child Injury Cases – What Should Happen Next?

In personal injury cases, children identify as anyone between the ages of 0-18-years-old. When a careless driver collides into a vehicle with “children,” the responsible party should be held accountable. However, how long the legal process takes depends on how a Los Angeles injury lawyer views the case during your first strategy session.

The claim you submit should factor in the injuries sustained, as well as their impact. A few common injuries that can jeopardize your child’s chance for a healthy life are:

• Traumatic Head Injuries
• Permanent Disability / Spinal Cord Injuries
• Psychological Difficulties

Physical wounds require immediate medical attention. As a parent or guardian, you may find the medical bills exceed your finances and become an arduous experience. Expenses can amount to just as much as adult costs during the recovery process. Between doctor appointments, rehabilitative treatments, and surgery, insurance might not be enough to handle the financial obligations. While you have every right to take matters into your hands, a child accident attorney in LA is almost always necessary in cases involving minors.

The Legal Process & Children

The fault is not always at the hands of the other driver. In some circumstances, the person driving the child can share the blame or full responsibility in court. The harm caused is still the same. As a parent or guardian, your legal counsel must collect information to facilitate communication between the insurance adjusters and the defendant legal team. Establishing liability may be challenging at first, but the medical report and statements are enough for a lawyer to proceed.

In court, young victims may have to recollect memories of the accident again. It is important to note that this might be overwhelming for a child. An accident lawyer will suggest a loved one be present to create a safe space. With any similar lawsuit, we safeguard and protect younger clients. Unfortunately, the injuries themselves inflict trauma. That alone cannot get resolved from physical therapy. Psychological therapy can be helpful as well to release pent-up anxieties and distress from transporting in a car. Your child can receive compensation for:

• Pain and Suffering: We will recover damages for ample treatments and targeted services, which can aid in the healing process. Temporary pain or disabilities can impact a child who is not old enough to understand what happened.
• Emotional Distress: Children can experience emotional distress at any age. They might not remember what happened or resonate with what occurred. But car accident victims can experience anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
• Loss of Future Income: If the injuries develop into a long-term disability, it can impact their ability to work in the future. If proven, the plaintiff is entitled to recover. Sometimes the amount is quite significant because it considers their adulthood.

The Role Insurance Companies Play

Insurance companies make sure that all medical costs get covered (to an extent) when children get harmed in an accident. However, that does not mean that insurance adjusters have you or your child’s best interests in mind. When your lawyer for personal injuries involving minors settles, it should be enough to pay the amount in full of expenses and cover for future appointments and care. The child will probably get contacted for full reimbursement for medical refunds or medications needed, although you can speak on their behalf.

Seeming as children cannot pay for medical aid by themselves, parents will probably have to do so as expenses continue. The insurance company might reimburse the parent or guardian for these costs and treatments needed for a full recovery. It is best to retain a lawyer immediately for a better understanding of the insurance processes. If, for example, the insurance agency provided financial support to cover all medical treatment, it can impact your claim. Our legal team is well-versed in handling traumatic injuries and understands how exactly they can affect a child.

Grey Law Represents Child Victims of Minor to Severe Car Accidents

“When it comes to getting you more, I won’t settle for less.” – David Grey

When you or a loved one gets injured due to negligence, carelessness, or wrongful acts of another person, David Grey is ready to help. Seeking compensation or negotiating with insurance companies can be stressful, especially while recovering. Let us do that for you. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are well-versed in several practice areas:

• Traffic Accidents
• Premises Accidents
• Personal Injuries
• Product Liability
• Nursing Home Abuse

Why do you need a lawyer for accident compensation? With thousands of lawyers in California, we understand it can be hard to choose legal representation. We have 35+ years of experience and secured millions for our clients. From the time you retain our firm, we build your case. For a free case evaluation and consultation, reach out to us at (323) 857-9500 or email info@greylaw.com.