Child Involved in a Car Accident Houston?

Is Your Child Involved in a Car Accident?

Car accidents can be devastating for anyone, but when children are involved, the emotional and physical toll is often more profound. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges of handling car accidents involving young victims.

Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller size, developing bodies, and inability to protect themselves during a crash. As parents or guardians, your priority is your child’s well-being and recovery, but you should also have access to the support needed for the complex legal aspects that follow a car accident.

If your child has been involved in a car accident in Houston, Texas, it’s essential to speak with a compassionate car accident attorney who is experienced in child injury cases. Our team at Hollingsworth Law Firm is here to help you seek justice and the compensation your family deserves. Let us guide you through the legal process and fight for your child’s rights.

Understanding Car Accidents Involving Children

Car accidents can result in a variety of injuries, and children are often more vulnerable than adults due to their size, developing bodies, and inability to fully protect themselves. In Houston, Texas, children involved in car accidents may suffer physical and psychological consequences that can affect their lives for years to come.

Whether your child was a passenger in a vehicle or involved as a pedestrian, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect their health, safety, and legal rights. Children are often not at fault for accidents; determining liability is key to pursuing justice.

Legal Considerations in Child Car Accident Cases

When your child is injured in a car accident, various legal factors must be addressed. In Texas, personal injury law allows a minor’s parents or legal guardians to file a lawsuit on behalf of the child to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and future expenses related to the injury.

Here are some key legal considerations for child car accident cases:

Duty of Care: In any car accident case, “duty of care” is essential. This refers to the legal responsibility of drivers to operate their vehicles safely. If a driver breaches this duty (speeding or running a red light), resulting in an accident that harms a child, they may be liable for the child’s injuries.

Negligence and Fault: In Texas, personal injury claims are based on negligence. This means that the responsible party must have failed to act reasonably, directly causing harm to your child. Identifying the liable party is critical if the at-fault party was another driver, a defective vehicle, or even a government agency responsible for road maintenance.

Texas Child Injury Law: Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if your child’s actions contributed to the accident (e.g., they were not adequately restrained in the car), it may reduce the compensation you can receive. However, if the other party is more at fault than your child (over 50%), your claim may proceed.

Statute of Limitations: Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. This means parents have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could result in the loss of the right to seek compensation for your child’s injuries.

Compensation for Child Injuries: The types of compensation you can pursue in a child car accident case include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past, present, and future medical bills related to the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma the child has experienced.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injury affects your child’s ability to work or participate in certain activities later in life, this can be part of the compensation claim.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact the accident has had on your child.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation can be sought if your child’s ability to enjoy everyday activities is permanently affected.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents Involving Children

When children are involved in car accidents, their injuries can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the crash, the child’s age, and where they were positioned in the vehicle. Some common injuries include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are significant concerns for children involved in car accidents. The brain’s vulnerability can lead to long-term complications if not adequately treated.
• Neck and Spine Injuries: A child’s neck and spine may not be fully developed, making them more susceptible to injuries like whiplash or spinal cord damage.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Children are more likely to suffer fractures in car accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, and collarbone area.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a crash can lead to internal injuries, particularly to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Car accidents can cause lasting emotional scars in children, leading to conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, or difficulty in social interactions.

What to Do After a Car Accident Involving Your Child

If your child has been involved in a car accident, it is essential to take immediate and appropriate steps to ensure their well-being and the success of any potential legal claim.

Ensure Your Child’s Safety and Health

The priority should always be your child’s safety. Call emergency services and ensure your child receives medical attention immediately, even if they seem unharmed. Some injuries, like brain or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent.

Document the Accident

Take pictures of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Get the contact and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident, including witnesses.

Follow Through with Medical Treatment

Keep a detailed record of all medical appointments, treatments, and any follow-up care your child needs. This documentation will be essential for building your case.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

A lawyer will guide you through the legal steps, including filing a claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Attorney In Houston, TX

Handling a child injury case is not the same as handling an adult injury case. There are additional challenges, including the need for medical testimony, understanding the long-term effects on your child’s development, and ensuring that the compensation is adequate to cover future care.

At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing families in Houston and Texas with children injured in car accidents. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to protecting your child’s rights. We tirelessly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong compensation case.

Why Choose Hollingsworth Law Firm for Your Child’s Injury Case

At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges that arise when a child is involved in a car accident. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation for children and their families. Here’s why you should trust us with your case:

• Experience: Our firm has a proven track record of successfully handling personal injury cases, including those involving children.
• Personalized Attention: We treat every client like family and are committed to helping your child recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
• Aggressive Representation: We fight to secure the maximum compensation your child deserves. We are unafraid to take on insurance companies or opposing counsel to ensure justice is served.
• Comprehensive Legal Services: From filing your claim to negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, we offer full-service legal assistance throughout the entire process.

Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm Today

If your child has been involved in a car accident in Houston, Texas, the team at Hollingsworth Law Firm is here to provide the legal guidance and representation you need. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Contact (713) 637-4560 us for a free consultation today, and let us help you through this difficult time.