Parents do everything in their power to keep their children safe. But when your family is on the road, you have no choice but to put your trust in other motorists. When another person’s negligence ends in an accident, the consequences can be devastating. Your child could suffer serious injuries—injuries that keep them out of school, demanding costly medical treatment and intensive care.
If your child was hurt in a Missouri car accident, you have likely done everything you can to ensure your child has their best possible shot at recovery. However, moving past a car crash can be difficult. You may even have to spend more money than you have on surgery, follow-up appointments, and physical rehabilitation.
However, you do not have to let your child bear the burden of another person’s bad decision.
What to Do If Your Child Was Hurt in a Car Crash
In an accident, most parents will put their child’s safety and well-being before their own. If you were in a Missouri car crash with your child, you should:
- Seek immediate medical attention. If your child was seriously injured, call emergency services and get them to a hospital as soon as possible. Even if your child appears unharmed, you should always take them for a medical check-up, as some injuries are difficult to detect without a physician’s help. If you need to make a personal injury claim, a hospital visit and medical records can serve as evidence of your child’s injuries.
- Follow up. Children do not always understand what signs and symptoms are cause for concern. They may struggle to voice their pain or explain how they feel. If your child has any physical problems in the aftermath of a car accident—even if the crash happened days or weeks before—always follow up with your doctor.
- Call an attorney. Securing a fair settlement after a car accident can be very difficult. Even if the accident was not your fault, the insurance company might not negotiate in good faith. They might offer you enough money to cover your medical bills but refuse to account for the costs of physical rehabilitation or long-term care. An attorney can help collect the evidence you need to show the insurance company their offer needs to be revised. If they will not negotiate in good faith, your lawyer can take them to court.
The Costs of Recovery
Children can suffer serious injuries in car accidents, including:
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Organ damage
- Chest injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
Depending on the nature of your child’s injuries, the costs of recovery could be immense. Your child may need to spend days, weeks, or months away from school, forcing you to take time away from work and causing you to lose the same money you need to pay their hospital bills. All the while, your child might miss out on their education, sports, and critical social opportunities. They may fall behind in school or be forced to repeat an academic year.
If they were significantly injured, your child could even require life-long care costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
|
Related Links: |
