Children can become seriously injured in auto accidents, and parents should know they can claim compensation for those injuries.
Parents do everything they can to keep their children safe. When they are in the car, this includes using the appropriate car seats and seatbelts. Unfortunately, these measures are not always enough and if they are involved in a car crash, they sustain serious injuries. Parents can file a claim for damages to recover financial compensation for their child’s medical expenses and more. These claims are different from other car accident cases, though. An Edinburg car accident lawyer can help you claim the full damages your family deserves.
Common Injuries Sustained by Children in Car Accidents
Children can sustain a number of different injuries during a car accident. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common injuries for children in auto accidents include:
- Head injuries: Head injuries are the most common type of child injury in car accident claims. These may include contusions, concussions, lacerations, and fractures, particularly at the base of the skull.
- Abdominal injuries: Children under one year old are most likely to suffer lung injuries and broken ribs, both of which can cause internal bleeding. It is not uncommon for these injuries to be caused by car seat restraints.
- Deep lacerations: Car accidents often involve shattered and flying glass, and this can cause a child to sustain serious cuts on their face and body. Sometimes, these cuts are deep enough to cause permanent scarring.
- Broken bones: When children brace for the impact of a car accident, they may break their hand, foot, or wrist. The restraints of a car seat can also cause a child to break their pelvis and if a child is thrown from the vehicle, they may break their arm or femur.
- Whiplash: The soft tissues in a child’s neck are very delicate and when the neck moves back and forth in rapid succession, whiplash can occur, particularly when the vehicle is hit from behind.
- Psychological injuries: Car accidents are very traumatic and the emotional and psychological effects can stay with a child for years.
Just like other car accident victims, compensation is available to help children recover from their injuries. However, these types of claims are slightly different.
Claiming Compensation for Children After a Crash
Car accident claims involving children are slightly different from other car accident cases. Children are not considered to have the capacity to file a claim on their own and so, a parent or guardian must file it on their behalf. In some cases, particularly when a claim is not filed until the child is 18 years old, the statute of limitations, or time limit, may also differ from other claims. Lastly, these claims are often hard to value correctly, due to the fact that the physical and emotional effects can stay with a child for many years.
Call Our Car Accident Lawyers in Edinburg if Your Child is Hurt
If your child has been hurt in a crash, our Edinburg car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo can help you file a claim and recover the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at 956-318-3200 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.