Car accidents are among the leading causes of injuries in children, often resulting in serious physical and emotional trauma. When a child is injured in a crash, parents are left to navigate the legal and medical challenges that follow. Understanding the common injuries children sustain in car accidents and knowing the legal rights available can help parents make informed decisions about their child's well-being.

Common Car Accident Injuries in Children

Children are particularly vulnerable in car accidents due to their smaller size and developing bodies. The injuries they suffer can range from minor to life-threatening, depending on the severity of the crash.

Head and Brain Injuries

One of the most serious consequences of a car accident for a child is a head or brain injury. These injuries can occur due to a direct impact on the head or from violent shaking, which causes the brain to move within the skull. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children can lead to developmental delays, cognitive impairment, and long-term neurological issues. Symptoms of a TBI may not always appear immediately, making it essential for parents to seek medical attention after any accident.

Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries

Children’s necks and spines are more flexible than those of adults, making them more susceptible to whiplash and spinal cord damage. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Even minor spinal injuries can cause chronic pain and mobility issues that may require long-term medical care.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force of impact in a car crash can cause children to suffer broken bones or fractures. Common fractures include those to the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones. These injuries can be particularly concerning in young children, as their bones are still growing and healing improperly could lead to complications later in life.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma in a car accident can lead to internal injuries, such as damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding is especially dangerous because it is not always immediately apparent. Parents should watch for signs such as abdominal pain, dizziness, and difficulty breathing following an accident.

Psychological Trauma

Car accidents can also have a significant emotional and psychological impact on children. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and nightmares are common after a serious accident. Younger children may have difficulty verbalizing their feelings, while older children might exhibit behavioral changes. Seeking therapy or counseling can help children process the trauma and regain a sense of security.

Legal Rights for Parents After a Child’s Car Accident Injury

When a child is injured in a car accident, parents have the legal right to pursue compensation on their behalf. Understanding these rights can help ensure the child receives the medical care and financial support they need.

Determining Liability

One of the first steps in a car accident case is determining who was at fault. Liability may rest with another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or even a government entity responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. A car accident lawyer for child injury cases can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong claim for compensation.

Seeking Compensation for Medical Expenses

Children who suffer car accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. Parents have the right to seek compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, both immediate and future costs. If the injury results in a permanent disability, additional financial support may be needed to cover specialized care, adaptive equipment, and modifications to the home.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Beyond medical expenses, parents can also seek compensation for their child’s pain and suffering. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. Because psychological injuries are just as impactful as physical ones, courts often recognize the need for compensation in cases where a child experiences severe trauma after an accident.

Lost Earning Potential

If a child sustains a severe injury that will affect their ability to work in the future, parents may seek compensation for lost earning potential. This is especially relevant in cases involving traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage that could limit a child’s future career opportunities.

Parental Loss of Income

Parents often need to take time off work to care for an injured child. In some cases, they may even need to quit their jobs or reduce their work hours. Compensation for lost wages or reduced earning capacity can help alleviate the financial burden parents face while focusing on their child’s recovery.

Steps to Take After a Child is Injured in a Car Accident

Taking immediate action after a car accident can help protect a child’s health and legal rights.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if a child appears unharmed, it is essential to have them evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. A thorough medical examination ensures that all injuries are identified and treated promptly.

Gather Evidence

Parents should collect as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and police reports. If the accident involved another driver, obtaining their insurance information is also critical. This evidence can be crucial in proving liability and securing fair compensation.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a child's injury. It’s important to hire a car accident lawyer who is experienced in child injury cases. They can provide parents with the guidance and representation they need. An experienced attorney can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather expert testimony, and ensure the family receives the compensation they deserve.

File a Claim Within the Legal Deadline

Each state has a statute of limitations that dictates how long parents have to file a claim on behalf of their child. Missing this deadline could result in losing the right to pursue compensation. A lawyer can help ensure that all legal documents are filed correctly and on time.

Car accidents can have lasting consequences for children, both physically and emotionally. Parents must understand the common injuries their child may suffer and the legal options available to seek compensation. By taking immediate action, gathering evidence, and consulting a car accident lawyer for child injury cases, parents can secure the necessary financial support for their child's recovery. Holding negligent parties accountable not only ensures justice for the injured child but also helps prevent future accidents from occurring.