What To Do If Your Child Is Injured In A Florida Car Accident?
As a parent who loves their child and wants them always to be safe, one of the things you dread the most is your child getting into a car accident. Unfortunately, even after you do your best to protect your child from getting into a car accident, your child can still get into a car accident because of another party’s negligence. In a single year, hundreds of child passengers ages 12 and below are killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States, and tens of thousands are injured. According to the CDC, in 2020 alone, more than 600 child passengers below the age of thirteen were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S., and over 63,000 were injured.
If a child suffers injuries in a car accident, it is vital that a parent takes the necessary steps to protect their child’s health. It is crucial that a parent take steps to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions or lack of them and that they recover the compensation necessary to give their child the best care possible. The following are some of the steps to take after a child is injured in a car accident;
Call 911
After your child is involved in a car accident, call 911 immediately. In the United States, when you dial 911, you can get access to the police, fire department, or emergency medical services. In the case of an accident, you want the police and emergency medical services to come to the scene. The police will conduct a preliminary investigation at the accident scene and make an official report which can help you once you file a claim against the negligent party. On the other hand, the medics will offer your child medical care to help with recovery. Receiving medical care at the accident scene is also crucial as it helps prove the severity of injuries.
If your child does not receive medical treatment at the accident scene, ensure you take them to a doctor as soon as possible. Failure to do so can adversely affect their health and result in the negligent party arguing that your child’s injuries are not as serious as you claim.
Document the Scene
If you can, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Pictures and videos taken at the accident scene can serve as critical evidence in a car accident claim.
Collect Information
Apart from taking pictures and videos of the accident scene, gather witnesses’ names and contact information. Witnesses can help corroborate your story and prove liability. You should also collect the other driver’s name, contact number, and insurance information.
Contact a Skilled Car Accident Attorney
Finally, if your child has been injured in a car accident, contact a qualified car accident attorney. Car accident claims involving children can be complex. Fortunately, an attorney can help you deal with all the complexities. A skilled attorney can help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm have years of experience handling complex car accident claims involving children. We can help you file your claim and fight for the maximum compensation possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Ocala, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Daytona Beach areas.
Source:
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html
