Steps To Take if Your Child Is Injured in a Florida Auto Accident
Parents feel obligated to keep their children safe from harm. However, sometimes, despite all your efforts, your child can still suffer harm. One of the dreaded things that can happen in a parent’s life is for their child to get involved in an auto accident. Unfortunately, some of the auto accidents that occur in the United States involve children. The CDC estimates that in 2020 alone, over 63,000 child passengers aged 12 and younger were injured in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. According to the CDC, more than 700 child passengers aged 12 and below died in 2021 in auto accidents in the U.S. If your child is involved in a Florida auto accident, it is vital to know the steps to take to ensure their well-being and protect their legal rights. In Florida, if your child is involved in an auto accident because of another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a legal claim against the negligent party and recover the compensation you need to care for your child while they recover.
The following are some of the most crucial steps to take if your child is injured in a Florida auto accident to ensure their well-being and legal rights are protected;
Ensure Your Child’s Safety
The first crucial step to take after your child is involved in an auto accident is to ensure that they are safe. If your child is injured, it is best to avoid moving them unless they are in immediate danger. If your child is in immediate danger, move them to safety.
Call 911
Call 911 immediately after your child is involved in an auto accident and ask that they send the police and emergency medical services to the scene. Even if you think your child is not seriously hurt, ensure you call 911. The police will assess the scene and prepare a report that you can use once you file your claim, and the emergency medical providers will evaluate your child’s injuries. Ensuring your child receives immediate medical attention is also crucial for your legal claim. It can help establish causation and the severity of your child’s injuries.
Collect Information
Obtain information from the other driver. Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance information, and any other relevant information. Also, collect witnesses’ names and contact information.
Document the Accident Scene
If you are able to, take pictures and videos at the accident scene. For example, take pictures and videos of the vehicles involved in the accident, road conditions and traffic signs, weather conditions, and any visible injuries to your child. These pictures and videos could provide crucial evidence later.
Contact an Attorney
Contact an auto accident lawyer after your child is involved in an auto accident because of another party’s negligence. A qualified attorney can help protect your child’s legal rights. They can help you navigate the complexities of compensation claims and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Contact Us for Legal Guidance
If your child has been involved in a Florida auto accident case because of another party’s negligence, contact our skilled Lakeland car accident attorneys at Darla K. Snead P.L. for legal guidance.
Source:
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html
