What Should I Do If My Child Is Injured in a Central California Valley Car Accident?
It is difficult for parents to think about the possibility that their child could be injured in a car accident. Unfortunately for many parents, this horrible thought will become a reality this year. During 2013, the leading cause of death for children 4 years of age was motor vehicle accidents. The second leading cause of death for all other children 14 years of age and under during that same year was motor vehicle crashes. Unfortunately, a Central California Valley car accident can result in the death of your child or cause catastrophic injuries for your child.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that over 172,000 children were injured and 1,149 children were killed in motor vehicle accidents during 2013. If your child has been injured in a Central California Valley car accident, we want to help. Our car accident attorneys understand your desire to seek justice for your child. We will fight for your child’s right to receive compensation for his or her injuries from the negligent driver who caused the accident.
Steps to Take After Your Child Is Injured in a Central California Valley Car Accident
Your child’s physical and emotional health is your top priority after a car accident. Seek immediately medical attention for your child and focus on providing emotional support for your child as he or she receives medical treatment. Once you know your child’s emotional and physical health is being addressed by professional medical providers, it is time to take steps to hold the at fault driver accountable for his or her actions.
Contacting an experienced Central California Valley car accident attorney as soon as possible after a car accident is in your child’s best interest because:
- Insurance companies are not working to protect your child. An attorney has your child’s best interest as his or her top priority. An insurance company simply wants to settle your child’s claim as quickly as possible for the least amount of money as possible. The insurance company would prefer that you not consult an attorney because it knows that once you consult an attorney, you will not be as likely to accept a quick, low settlement on your child’s behalf.
- The Statute of Limitations still applies. California’s statute of limitations still applies even though it is a child who was injured in the car accident. While you may have additional time to file a lawsuit because the accident involved a minor, the law still enforces strict limits on the amount of time a parent has to file a lawsuit on behalf of their child. Do not take a chance that you will miss the opportunity to file a lawsuit for your child.
- Settlements involving minors can be complicated. If you agree to accept a settlement offer from the insurance company, you may need court approval depending on the amount of the settlement. You may also be required to hold the settlement funds in a special account until your child reaches 18 years of age. An experienced attorney understands the complexity of a settlement involving a minor.
- You need to focus on your child. Your main focus should be your child. Let an attorney deal with the insurance company for the at-fault driver, its attorneys, and its adjusters. You focus on what is most important — the health and well-being of your child.
Contact a Central California Valley Car Accident Attorney If Your Child Was Hurt
If your child is injured in a Central California Valley car accident or a car accident anywhere in California, contact the car accident attorneys of Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000. You may also chat with a representative online or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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