Did you know that, as per a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading cause of death for children aged 4 to 14 is motor vehicle crashes? And that, every 25 seconds, a child is involved in a car accident in the U.S.? Horrifying, isn’t it? Here is how to Address a child’s personal injury while driving?
No parent ever wants to see their child injured, let alone in a car accident. Thus, as a parent, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and helpless when your child gets hurt in a car accident. However, it is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your child receives the best possible care.
Here are some tips on what to do if your child is injured in a car accident and how to address their personal injury while driving.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If your child is injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, concussions, or internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional will be able to properly assess your child’s injuries and provide the necessary treatment. So, before anything else, call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency room.
You can also administer first aid if your child’s injuries are not serious and you are trained to do so. But, it is best to err on caution’s side. It is recommended to seek professional medical help rather than try to treat your child’s injuries on your own. This will not only ensure that your child receives the best possible care but will also provide documentation of the injuries sustained in the accident.
Collect Evidence
If it is safe to do so, collect evidence from the scene of the accident. This may include taking photos of the damage to the vehicles involved, as well as any visible injuries your child has sustained. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses who were present at the time of the accident. This evidence will be vital when you file a personal injury claim.
Here are some things to remember when you’re collecting evidence:
- Do not move your child from the position they are in, as this may worsen their injuries.
- Do not move the vehicles involved in the accident, as this may also tamper with the evidence.
- Do not throw away any damaged personal belongings, as these may be used as evidence.
- Finally, make sure to get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the driver who caused the accident.
- But most importantly, keep calm and stay positive
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If your child has been seriously injured in a car accident, it is important to get in touch with the experts who would immediately help personal injury lawyers in Costa Mesa. The personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The lawyer will help you file a personal injury case and deal with the insurance company so that you can focus on taking care of your child.
In short, hiring a personal injury lawyer will give you the best chance of getting the full compensation you and your child are entitled to.
Keep a Journal
It is also important to keep a journal of everything that happens after the accident. This includes details such as the date and time of the accident, your child’s injuries, their medical treatment, and any missed school or work. This journal will be vital if you decide to file a personal injury case, as it will help you keep track of all the expenses you have incurred.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re keeping a journal:
- Be as detailed as possible.
- Record everything, even if it seems insignificant.
- Update the journal regularly.
Attend All Doctor’s Appointments
Make sure you attend all of your child’s doctor’s appointments and follow their instructions. This is important for your child’s recovery, as well as for building a strong case if you decide to file a personal injury claim. The journal you have been keeping will also come in handy here, as you will be able to track your child’s progress and document their injuries. You can also get a copy of your child’s medical records, which will be important evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Be Present at Court Appointments
If your child’s case goes to court, it is important that you be present at all of the hearings. This will show the judge that you are committed to your child’s case and that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Moreover, ensure to follow the court’s instructions to the letter. If you do not, it could negatively impact your child’s case.
For instance, if the court orders you to attend mediation, make sure that you do so. This is an important step in the legal process, and it could help you reach a settlement with the other party.
Prepare for the Future
If your child has been seriously injured in a car accident, it is important to start preparing for their future. This includes making sure you have the financial resources in place to cover their medical expenses, as well as any future costs such as rehabilitation or therapy.
While you can claim compensation for these expenses, it is always best to be prepared. Insurance and personal injury claims can take time, so it is important to have a backup plan in place. You should also make sure you have a solid understanding of the legal process. So that you can make the best decisions for your child’s future.
Parting Thoughts
Our children are our most prized possessions. So it is only natural that we want to do everything in our power to protect them. However, sometimes accidents happen that are beyond our control. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your child receives the best possible care. If they are ever injured in a car accident.
And, if someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you can also hold them accountable and get the compensation you deserve. This will not only help your child in the short term. But it will also give you peace of mind knowing. That you have done everything in your power to protect them.
