Roughly 150 children are treated for injuries due to auto accidents every hour. As a parent, it’s important to know what to do in the aftermath of a car crash, both to protect your child and recover damages if you choose to file a personal injury claim. Here's what you need to know if your child has been injured.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s essential to have your child examined by a doctor after an accident, even if they tell you they feel fine or don't appear to be hurt. This is because some of the most common injuries, such as whiplash and concussion, may not start showing symptoms for hours or even days after an accident occurs. 

Without prompt attention and treatment, your child’s injury could worsen and cause permanent physical or cognitive damage. Once medical treatment is out of the way, contact a personal injury attorney to determine if you should pursue legal action and file a claim.

How Personal Injury Claims for Children Work

Alabama is a contributory negligence state, which means that a personal injury plaintiff is not entitled to receive damages if they are partially responsible for the accident. However, because Alabama law also holds that children under the age of 7 are incapable of acting negligently, your child may still be able to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault.

As the parent of an injured child under the age of 18, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit on their behalf.  If the claim is settled, all proceeds must be expended solely for the benefit of the child. While you may be reimbursed for medical costs and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident, all payments received from the settlement are subject to a judge’s discretion. Any remaining proceeds are placed into an interest-bearing account and held for the child until they are of age.

If your child has been injured in an auto accident, contact Carey & Hamner P.C. in Ozark, Dothan, and Enterprise, AL. The experienced attorneys at this law firm know how to help injured clients and their families get the compensation they deserve. Visit their website to learn more about the firm and call (866) 787-2598 to schedule a complimentary consultation.