According to the CDC, auto accidents are among the leading cause of injury and death among children in the U.S. While most parents go out of their way to ensure that their children are safe from every harm, the fact remains that children will likely suffer an injury at some point in their life. Indeed, according to the World Health Organization, auto accident injuries are the leading cause of death for persons between ten and nineteen years old. What’s more, car crashes still cause 1 of every 4 unintentional injury deaths in children under 13.
What do you do if that injury is the result of a car accident that was not your fault?
Auto accidents and children
The first thing you should do if your child is involved in a car accident is seek medical attention. Some injuries are not readily apparent or are internal and the experience and care of a medical professional is necessary. 
Next, seek out the guidance and legal advice of a trusted auto accident attorney. While you may think your insurance company will be on your side and give your child the financial compensation his/her injuries deserve, this is likely not the case. They are concerned with their bottom line and the right accident lawyer will be looking out for you and your family.
After an auto accident is reported to insurance, the insurance companies of the drivers involved will conduct an investigation to determine who was responsible for the accident (and if so, to what extent). This investigation can consist of statements from the insured driver(s), police reports, videos and photographs of the scene, forensic analysis of the vehicles, and statements from witnesses. For more on what you can do after an accident to make sure that you are able to gather all the evidence you need for an accident claim, click here.
Financial compensation for child accident injures
If the auto accident that caused your child’s injury was due to the negligent or reckless acts of another party, you have a right to recover damages. Responsible parties may include the driver of the other car, the manufacturer of one of the vehicles, a city / municipality that had a responsibility to maintain a street or safety sign, or the other driver’s employer. As you can see, there are a number of scenarios and it is critical to hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help understand your rights and assess your case.
For more information about next steps after your child is injured in an accident, contact accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today for a free consultation.
