The events that happen after a car accident involving children will depend on what you do. The professionals recommend that you contact the police, get the children immediate medical care, and reach out to a Los Angeles car accident lawyer for help.
If someone else causes an accident that involves children, the at-fault party may need to cover all the losses associated with the collision. In the aftermath of this kind of accident, you may need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
A lawyer can provide more detailed information about what happens if children are involved in a car accident and what steps you should take after a crash.
What Should Happen if Children Are Involved in a Car Accident?
You should take the following steps if you end up in a car accident that involves children. The professionals strongly suggest that you:
Report the Crash to the Police
The police need to know about any crash that involves property damage, injuries, or death. This rule includes accidents that involve children. The police may come out to the scene of the crash, review what happened, and file an official report.
A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer may use the information in this report when building a claim for compensation.
Get Medical Treatment for Any Injured People
Anyone injured in a car crash involving children should receive immediate medical care. These accidents can easily result in broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), neck and back injuries, and other catastrophic injuries.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
If possible, you should collect evidence from the scene of any crash that involves children. You may:
- Get contact information from eyewitnesses
- Take pictures of all injuries and the positions of the vehicles
- Write down what happened
A Los Angeles passenger injuries car accident lawyer may use this information when building a claim to bring your family compensation.
Talk to an Attorney
Finally, you should reach out to a personal injury law firm for help after a crash involving children. A lawyer can review your situation, explain what happens if children are involved in a car accident, and determine if your family has a valid claim for compensation.
Your attorney can also handle all legal matters after this kind of collision, giving you more time to spend with your child.
Does Someone Have to Pay for a Car Accident Involving Children?
The party responsible for causing a crash that involves children may need to pay for all the losses associated with the accident. A lawyer may need to establish that another party caused the collision through an act of negligence to bring your family compensation.
Your family may qualify for funds to pay for:
- Your child’s current and long-term medical expenses
- Your lost pay if you need to take off work to care for your child
- Your child’s pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish
Additionally, you may receive funds to cover property repairs in some cases. You can learn more about the funds available in your situation from your car accident law firm.
How Much Compensation Do You Get if Your Child Sustained Injuries in a Crash?
The funds available to your family after a crash involving your child will vary. In many cases, the final value of your claim will depend on the extent of the losses your family sustained. A lawyer can add up all these expenses on your behalf.
(310) 526-8383Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Crash Involving Children?
You may need to file a lawsuit against the liable party after a crash that involves children. However, an attorney may also help your family secure the compensation you need through an insurance claim.
Filing an insurance claim may allow you to get the money you need more quickly than going to court. Additionally, you can avoid court fees if you settle with the insurance company.
An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and review all settlement offers you receive. You can discuss all the options available to you with your attorney.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Crash Involving a Child?
Generally, you only have two years to seek compensation after a car accident in California. However, you may have considerably more time available if a crash involves someone under the age of 18.
California may only begin the two-year countdown to file a claim once your child reaches the age of 18. However, waiting to file a claim can make it more challenging to secure fair compensation.
You can learn more about the specific deadlines that apply to your situation from your attorney.
Talk to Us After a Car Accident Involving Your Children
Are you wondering what happens if children are involved in a car accident in California? Our team at Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can answer all questions you have about these accidents and guide you through the legal process.
We have decades of combined experience that we can use to compassionately represent your family after a collision. Call or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
