It’s a call no parent wants to receive. You always protect your child, but now, through no fault of your own, there’s been an injury. Maybe it was just bruises. Maybe a fracture, the loss of a limb, or even death.
Unfortunately, such accidents occur far too often. The CDC reports that nearly 150 children 0-19 are treated for injuries from motor vehicle accidents every hour.
You Never Thought It Would Happen to You but It Has, so What Do You Do Now?
The most important thing is to make sure your child gets medical treatment, if needed, and to do everything in your power to make sure he or she is all right. Unfortunately, hospital bills can add up quickly, not to mention the stress (for both you and your child) of such a traumatic event.
So you wonder, should I call an injury attorney?
What Does an Injury Attorney do?
If your child was injured in a car accident, you may think compensation for your hospital bills is all your entitled to, but you can also claim:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium (This is when, due to an accident, your child is unable to give the same affection and companionship as before.)
- Loss of quality of life (This is if your child’s day-to-day well-being is diminished because of the accident, for instance, because of a lost limb.)
- Out of Pocket Expenses (Other expenses that you wouldn't have had to pay had the injury not occurred.)
- And more
You can do this research yourself or contact our attorneys to determine what compensation you can pursue and how to do so. With our years of experience, we can help you navigate the complex legal landscape.
Our attorneys can walk you through the process of making a claim. This process is similar for adults and children, except that for children, the parents make the claim on the child’s behalf. This is usually a simple process requiring nothing more than paperwork, and it is separate from your right to receive compensation for your hospital bills.
Your car accident attorney will help you determine who is at fault in an accident: the person driving your child, another car, the car manufacturer. Sometimes no one is at fault. Sometimes multiple people are. By checking police reports, and studying state laws, your attorney will map out the best legal strategies for your case.
Injury law is complex, especially if multiple cars are involved, and consulting with an expert is almost always a good idea. You cannot afford to take legal action lightly. Our attorneys will do everything to make this process as easy and painless as possible so you can focus on your child.
Bart Durham Injury Law's team of legal professionals can be the ally you need, talking you through your options to determine what you can make a claim for. Our office has handled thousands of cases for more than 44 years, and we specialize in injury law. With over 75 years of combined experience, our seasoned professionals can help you understand your rights. Why try to tackle this alone? We offer a free initial consultation that you can book by clicking the button below.
Note: If the car accident just occurred, and you’re at the scene, there are several things you can do right now to help your case:
- Seek medical attention
- Contact the police
- Exchange information with others involved
- Take pictures of the accident before the cars get towed
- File an insurance claim soon
- Be careful what you say, and don’t post anything on social media, as you never know what will be used against you
Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney?
Obviously, this depends on how significant the accident and injuries were. For serious injuries, especially ones that require hospitalization for your child, it’s a good idea to consult an attorney, even if it’s just the free consultation we offer. You have nothing to lose.
Your attorney will be able to help you determine the extent of your damages and what you can be compensated for. We encourage parents to speak up for their child’s legal rights in the event of an injury, and it’s nearly impossible to do that without an attorney in your corner.
Additionally, car accident settlements can require months or years of navigating complex laws, a grueling process for anyone, especially the parent of an injured child. Every child is precious. Make sure yours gets the representation he or she needs to protect his rights.
