What Should I Do If My Child Was in a Car Accident?

Children can sustain a variety of injuries in car accidents. The severity of these injuries can vary depending on the type of collision, the age and size of the child, and whether they were properly restrained in an appropriate car seat or seat belt.

Common injuries children may sustain in car accidents include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries: These injuries can occur when the child's head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward during a collision.
• Head injuries: These can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries. Children are at a higher risk of head injuries due to their proportionally larger heads and weaker neck muscles compared to adults.
• Chest injuries: These can include broken ribs, sternum injuries, and lung injuries from the impact of the seatbelt or airbags.
• Abdominal injuries: These injuries can result in damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or intestines.
• Spinal cord injuries: While less common in children than in adults, severe car accidents can cause spinal cord injuries.
• Extremity injuries: Broken bones, cuts, and abrasions to the arms and legs are common in car accidents.
• Burns: In cases where a car catches fire or there's an explosion, children can sustain burns.

A settlement for a child injured in a car accident typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. But that’s just a ballpark figure. The settlement amount may depend on:

• The extent of a child’s injuries.
• The length of recovery and rehabilitation.
• Pain, suffering, or anxiety after a car accident.

Only an experienced attorney can determine how much money your child is eligible for in damages. This requires tallying up the costs of emergency medical care, medications, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation. An attorney may also factor in pain and suffering and similar non-economic damages.

If the at-fault driver’s actions were intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent, an attorney may pursue punitive damages.

Delayed symptoms after a car accident are very common. They typically manifest days, and sometimes weeks, after a collision. These symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness from whiplash or muscle strains.
• Confusion and memory problems from a concussion.
• Inflammation and swelling from soft tissue and bone injuries.
• Organ complications from internal injuries.

It’s important to get your child immediate medical attention after a crash to identify hidden injuries that may cause these symptoms. A doctor can begin treating these injuries before the symptoms get worse.

What should I look for in a child after a car accident?

Immediately after a collision, it’s important to check any child passengers for injuries. If any serious injuries occur, you should call emergency services immediately. For any minor or non-life-threatening injuries, consult with a doctor as soon as possible for a medical evaluation.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the emotional and psychological impact of traumatic events such as car accidents. Witnessing or experiencing a car accident can lead to distressing memories, nightmares, and prolonged anxiety.

It’s important for parents and caregivers to be aware of these potential effects and seek professional help if a child shows signs of trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to a crash.

Treatment for crash-related PTSD in children often includes:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT often helps children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to their trauma.
• Play therapy: Younger children may benefit from play therapy, where they use toys and games to express their thoughts and feelings.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR helps children process traumatic memories by using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation.
• Medication: Medication is generally not the first line of treatment for children with PTSD. It may be considered if the symptoms are severe or co-occur with depression or anxiety.
• Family therapy: Involving the family in therapy helps parents understand and support their child's recovery.

If your child sustained an injury in a car accident, it’s important to get a child injury lawyer to handle your claim. Don’t count on the insurance companies to provide adequate compensation for your child’s injuries. They’re often more interested in protecting their own bottom line than compensating crash victims.

Let a Law.com Premier Attorney handle your case from start to finish. They’ll handle the investigation, accurately value your claim, and fight for a maximum financial settlement. To learn more, contact a Premier Attorney in your area for a free consultation.

Can’t afford an attorney? Don’t worry! Our verified lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case. If they’re not able to recover damages, then you don’t pay.