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.
Steve Hollingsworth is a skilled trial attorney with over 50 cases tried across Texas. With experience as a felony prosecutor and representing major insurers, he now focuses on helping injured Texans in areas like car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability. Steve founded his own firm to provide dedicated, client-focused legal representation.
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
RossanaFormer Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
AnonymousFormer Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G.Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
SaraFormer Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
AndrewFormer Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V.Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts .
overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H.Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law.
He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E.Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T.Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury.
His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H.From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him.
He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant.
My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome.
I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
JessieFormer Client
Our Latest Blogs
Why Houston’s Industrial Workforce Faces Higher Risks of Serious Injury
Houston is home to one of the largest industrial sectors in the country, with industries ranging from oil and gas to chemical plants, shipping, and large-scale construction. These industries fuel…
Premises Liability in Texas: How Laws Differ Between Private, Public, and Government Property
Premises liability laws in Texas hold property owners responsible when unsafe conditions cause injuries. These cases can involve anything from slips and falls in grocery stores to accidents on government…
Offshore Accidents vs. Onshore Oilfield Accidents: Key Legal Differences
Texas has long been at the center of the energy industry, and with that comes significant risks for the workers who power it. From offshore oil rigs in the Gulf…