A car accident can be scary. When children are in the car, it can make the situation devastating.
Children are more likely to obtain severe injuries in a motor vehicle crash. The law specifies differences between personal injury claims for adults and children.
Ensure proper safety for your children
You must always restrain your child properly in a moving vehicle. While this does not prevent accidents, it can significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries for your little one. The child passenger safety laws in Georgia require children under eight to ride in a safety seat or booster seat located in the rear of the car.
Seek compensation for damages
While the correct use of child car seats dramatically reduces the chances of harm, injuries can still happen. If your child sustains injuries from a motor vehicle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical care
- Physical therapy needs
- Ongoing treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Financial losses suffered by the parent due to the child’s care needs
- Punitive damages
Understand the personal injury claim process for a child
Legal claims that involve minors are different from injury claims for adults. You can pursue a claim on behalf of your minor child. If you and your child both sustain damages, you must file separate legal claims.
Adults must file personal injury claims within two years of the accident, but the statute of limitations for children is different. Children have the option of filing themselves following their 18th birthday. Some extensions allow parents to file claims later due to accident damages that show up as children’s bodies and minds develop.
Filing a personal injury claim for your child can reduce the financial impact of an accident. It is crucial to understand the specifics regarding this type of claim when seeking compensation.