Very few things are as terrifying as a parent learning their child has been in a car accident. Their first thought is their child's health and well-being. Sadly, accidents occur every day. What should a parent do when their child is in an accident to protect their rights?
Common Injuries
Children aren't smaller versions of adults. Their bodies are still developing, which means they are at higher risk of being injured in a car accident. Common injuries to children in car accidents include brain injuries, damage to the lungs or internal organs, broken bones, and burns. Any injury is unacceptable, regardless of its seriousness. Parents need to ensure their child sees a doctor right away, as they may be using medical records as evidence as the case moves forward.
Steps to Take
The first priority following an accident is to move to a safe place. Doing so reduces the risk of another accident and additional injuries. Once the car has been moved out of the roadway, parents may check on their child. However, if it is safe to do so, leave the child where they are. Moving them can actually lead to additional injuries or the worsening of existing ones. Children can't always share when they are injured, so leave this task to trained professionals.
See a Doctor
A young child's limited ability to communicate means they need medical attention. A doctor can determine if there are injuries not visible to the naked eye. The same holds for older children. They may think they are fine, only to learn their injuries were masked by the adrenaline and endorphins released in the body at the time of the accident.
Monitor the Child
Don't assume that this medical visit is enough. Parents should monitor their children for a few days after the car accident. If the child develops any new symptoms, they need to be seen by a doctor immediately. The child may begin having headaches, back pain, or pain and bloating in the abdomen. In addition, some children experience a change in their emotions or personality. The doctor needs to determine if this is related to the accident or if there is another issue that must be addressed.
Seeking Compensation for Medical Bills
Parents have the right to seek compensation for a child injured in a car accident. The parent may take this step on their own, or they may choose to hire an attorney to handle this process for them. Many parents opt for the second option because they want to focus on helping the child recover rather than dealing with legal matters.
The attorney works to ensure all parties responsible for the accident are held accountable. In addition, they consider the long-term consequences of any injuries the child sustained, such as how these injuries will affect their ability to get a job in the future. Those responsible for the accident should compensate the child accordingly, and the attorney works to ensure they do.
Parents must take steps to protect their children every day. However, they may not know what to do when the child is involved in an auto accident, as these are hopefully rare occurrences. It's best to seek help from professionals in this situation, including counselors, doctors, and lawyers. When a parent has a team helping them through this difficult time, they can keep their focus on the child, which is where it belongs.
