Throughout Spokane, everyone–but especially children–are at significant risk of suffering injuries in car accidents. Unfortunately, children are even more vulnerable to harm for various reasons. Dealing with the aftermath of such accidents can be challenging, and determining responsibility for your child’s injuries adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
No parent wants to be in a situation where their child is injured in a car accident. Yet, these incidents occur frequently in Spokane. In such cases, it’s crucial to take action to secure financial support for your child’s injuries to aid in their recovery.
Since 1948, Crary and Domanico, P.S. and our team of experienced Spokane car accident lawyers have met these challenges for our clients. We are dedicated to ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of your child is put first. Don’t wait–contact us today to set up a free consultation.
Children and Legal Rights After a Washington Car Accident
In Washington, the law gives the same protections to passengers as anyone else in a car accident–including children. The only difference is that your child can’t actually file a claim to cover any injuries and damages. That said, you can file on your child’s behalf. Before that happens, you’ll need to figure out who’s responsible.
Determining fault in an accident involving a child ultimately hinges on the party that acted negligently. Drivers could be at fault if they:
- Exceed the posted speed limit.
- Drive at an excessive speed considering weather conditions.
- Neglect to yield the right of way.
- Ignore traffic signs or disregard traffic rules.
- Engage in reckless driving behavior.
- Drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Were distracted while driving.
Procedurally, filing a claim for damages usually involves three avenues:
- Filing an insurance claim.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Assisting surviving family members in filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
What sets a car accident where a child is injured apart from others is that the injuries and damages can be extensive and may continue to affect the child as they grow and develop. Thankfully, the claims process in Washington tries to take this into account when figuring out damages. Typically, these claims can include the following damages:
- Medical bills, both current and future.
- Lost earnings, both current and future.
- Permanent disfigurement or disability.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment in life.
- Funeral and burial costs, as well as other damages in the case of a fatal injury.
Again, these damages will differ from case to case. What’s important to understand is that these are available and if you want to have a full recovery on behalf of your child, you’ll likely need this compensation. Thus, it’s important to know how you can bolster a claim in this situation.
What Do You Need to Do After Your Child is Injured in a Spokane Car Accident?
Much like the legal process, what you actually have to do if your child is injured in a Spokane car accident is the same as any other car accident. First and foremost, you need to check your child and any other passengers for any injuries. Once you have that squared away, you can begin thinking about your potential legal options and what you’ll need to strengthen it:
- Seek medical care – If your child is injured, dial 911 or immediately visit a hospital or doctor’s office for immediate care.
- Report the accident – Whenever possible, inform local law enforcement or authorities about the accident and wait for their arrival at the scene.
- Begin gathering information – Collect the contact and insurance particulars of the other vehicle’s driver involved in the accident. Additionally, obtain details from any witnesses who observed the incident.
- Document the incident – Use your phone or camera to capture photographs and videos of the accident location. Document the accident’s precise location, property or vehicle damage, and any injuries sustained by you or others.
- Follow doctor’s orders – Listen to the advice provided by your healthcare providers and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. Failing to follow their recommendations could jeopardize your health and potentially impact any future legal proceedings.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue legal action is entirely up to. If you decide to explore your legal options, you can contact our team to arrange a free consultation. There is no obligation to retain our services, but we will provide you with a clearer understanding of the process and what to expect. We’ll also help you with the following:
- We’ll investigate the root causes of the accident and gather essential information to bolster your case.
- Our team will collect the required evidence, including photos, documents, and any pertinent data.
- We’ll speak to eyewitnesses and seek guidance from experts who can provide valuable insights.
- We’ll manage communication with the insurance company and the other party’s legal representatives, ensuring necessary discussions and negotiations are handled on your behalf.
Our ultimate goal in assisting with your case is to secure the compensation to cover your child’s injuries and losses. When you entrust us with your case, you can focus on your child’s recovery while we shoulder the responsibilities of your claim.
Why Are Children Vulnerable in Spokane Car Accidents?
It’s unfortunate that children are so vulnerable to injuries in car accidents, especially when you think about the time they spend in a car. Whether it be going to school, going to sports events, or simply running errands, the time you get in the car with your children takes up a majority of your time every day.
That said, children are vulnerable in car accidents in Spokane, as well as in any other location, due to several factors:
- Size and fragility – Children are smaller and more fragile than adults, which means they are at greater risk of injury in a collision. Their bodies are not as well-equipped to withstand the forces generated in a car crash.
- Improper restraints – In many cases, children may not be properly restrained in car seats or seat belts, increasing their vulnerability. Incorrect or inadequate restraints can lead to severe injuries in an accident.
- Lack of awareness – Young children may not be aware of the dangers on the road or how to react in a car accident. They may not have the ability to brace themselves or take evasive actions.
- Vulnerable areas – In a vehicle, children are often seated in the rear, which can be a more vulnerable area during certain types of collisions. They may also be more exposed to side-impact crashes.
- Developmental factors – Children’s bodies and brains are still developing, which can make them more susceptible to injuries, particularly to the head and neck.
- Limited visibility – Children may not be as visible to drivers, especially in larger vehicles. This can increase the likelihood of drivers not seeing them or having limited time to react in an emergency.
To keep kids safe in car accidents in Spokane, parents and caregivers should make sure they use the right car seats and seat belts. They should also teach their kids about staying safe on the road as they get older. And when driving, it’s important to follow the speed limits and not get distracted to prevent accidents with children.
Injuries
One of the most difficult aspects of these types of accidents isn’t just that your child is injured, but the actual injuries they can suffer. While it depends on various circumstances, usually these accidents involve the following types of injuries:
- Whiplash – Whiplash injuries are common in rear-end collisions and can affect the neck and spine. Children may experience pain and discomfort as a result.
- Seatbelt and airbag injuries – While seatbelts and airbags are essential for safety, they can also cause injuries, including belt abrasions, bruises, and airbag-related injuries like burns or bruises.
- Head injuries – These can range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries are a significant concern, especially if a child’s head strikes a hard surface or is impacted during the accident.
- Neck and spinal injuries – Whiplash and other neck injuries can occur in car accidents. More severe accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, which may result in paralysis or long-term disabilities.
- Broken bones – Children can experience broken bones, such as arms, legs, or ribs, due to the impact of the accident or being forcefully restrained by seatbelts.
- Facial injuries – Injuries to the child’s face can happen in car accidents, especially from things like flying glass or contact with hard surfaces in the collision.
- Internal injuries – The force of a car accident can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not be immediately obvious but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Cuts and bruises – Children can be thrown against various surfaces within the car, leading to cuts, bruises, and abrasions on their bodies.
- Burns – In some accidents, fires can break out, causing burn injuries to children. This is more common in high-impact collisions.
- Emotional trauma – Car accidents can be traumatic experiences for children, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This emotional trauma can have long-lasting effects.
- Death – In the most severe cases, car accidents can lead to the tragic loss of a child’s life.
Again, every injury and accident in Spokane is unique. However, when it involves your child, it can leave you feeling extremely helpless. That’s where our team can be invaluable. We’ll stand by you and your child throughout the entire process to make sure your family gets the compensation you deserve.
Dedicated Spokane Car Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Family
If you or your child is in a Spokane car accident, acting quickly is vital. Quick action helps with immediate issues like medical bills and supports your child’s long-term recovery.
At CCD Law, our skilled lawyers are dedicated to getting you and your child the right treatment and compensation, no matter the cause of the accident. Our main goal is to help you and your child focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
