Most people in Spokane understand that a hit-and-run isn’t just dangerous, but a criminal offense. At the same time, a lot of the aftermath depends on whether or not you can find the person that hit you. If you can’t, you still have options, but a recent story from KHQ details something you might not think about right away: what if your child is the one that’s injured in the hit-and-run? The answer is that it doesn’t change your rights or options, but it does make the situation even more difficult.
According to the KHQ story, a child was hurt when they were struck by a car in Northwest Spokane on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Spokane Police Department (SPD) officers responded to the scene of the accident, at the intersection of West Winston Drive and North Sutherlin Street.
They found the child and had them transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. They also found the driver that hit the child and fled the scene. The SPD says they are still looking for the suspect.
Can I File a Claim If My Child is Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is incredibly frustrating and challenging under the best of circumstances, but when your child is the one that’s injured, it’s a whole different level of shock. While it’s something you or any other parent doesn’t want to face, stories like the one above show how it can happen. The question then becomes, what can you do? The answer is that your child has the same legal rights as anyone else, but you would file the claim on their behalf. From there, you can either:
- File an insurance claim
- File a personal injury lawsuit
One key difference with child injury cases: the three-year deadline to file (called the “statute of limitations”) doesn’t start until your child turns 18. This means you usually have more time to file a claim for them—but it’s still a good idea to act sooner rather than later so you can gather evidence and tie their injuries to the accident. With that claim filed, though, you can recover “damages” on behalf of your child that can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Loss of future earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged clothing, shoes, phones, electronics, etc.
- Costs related to your child’s pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses if your child’s injuries are fatal
Hit-and-run cases can be complicated, especially when the driver isn’t found right away. Our team at CCD Law can help you explore all available options, including using your own insurance coverage to help pay for your child’s injuries.
Contact CCD Law When Your Child is Hurt in Spokane
A hit-and-run accident involving your child is really unthinkable, but as the story above shows, it’s something that can happen. While you hope the injuries are minor and don’t need legal action, if things are more serious, we’re here to help. Here’s what our team at CCD Law can do for you:
- Investigate the hit-and-run and get important details.
- Collect evidence like photos, medical records, and documents.
- Talk to witnesses and experts who can help your case.
- Deal with insurance companies and the other side’s lawyers for you.
Our goal is to make things easier for you and your child, while helping you get fair financial support for their injuries. If your child has been injured in an accident in Spokane, don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation.