What Should I Do if My Child Was Hurt in a Car Accident in Tampa?

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January 7, 2023 | By Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers

Children these days are on the go with school and family and extracurricular activities. In addition to driving with their parents, a child could ride on the bus or with another family member, friend, or another adult who has permission to drive them.

In one recent year, 607 children 12 and younger who were passengers in motor vehicles were fatally injured in the United States. More than 63,000 were injured.

If a child is injured in a car accident, the stakes immediately become higher. After an accident, once you’ve made sure that your child is safe and secure and has received any necessary immediate medical care, you should contact an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer.

Common Injuries Sustained by Children in Car Accidents

It’s vitally important that a medical professional examine your child, even if they appear to be fine after an accident. It is not uncommon for a doctor to recommend getting an X-ray to rule out fractures. Children’s bones aren’t as strong as adults so if they brace for a collision, they can break an arm or a wrist.

In addition to fractures, other common injuries include:

Head and neck injuries like traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and whiplash
Impact on the chest area can cause damage to the heart and lungs
Cuts and scarring from broken glass
Injuries caused by deployed airbags

Once your child has been treated, you can begin the process of getting compensation for any damages incurred.

How Car Insurance Works in Florida

Florida has no-fault car insurance which requires car owners to carry personal injury protection (PIP) with their car insurance. When an accident occurs, those involved will go to their PIP provider for compensation, whether they were at fault or not.

When a child is injured in a car accident, they are likely covered under the parents’ insurance policy.

The child may also be able to recover damages for injuries from:

The owner of the vehicle's policy
The at-fault driver's policy
The owner of the at-fault vehicle.

There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to deciding the best avenues for getting compensation. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to help clarify your options.

Can Children File Lawsuits in Florida?

Children under the age of 18 can’t file their own lawsuits. Their parents or guardian has to do so on their behalf. It doesn’t matter if the parent or guardian was involved in the accident. Another option is for the child to wait until they are 18 to file a claim on their own.

Parents have the authority to reach a settlement on the child’s accident claim instead of going to trial. However, this is only the case if the settlement amount isn’t more than $15,000. The more money a case is worth, the more protections Florida law provides for the minor. The goal is to make sure the money is used for the child and not the parents.

Call a Tampa Car Accident Attorney with Questions

Car accidents are especially concerning when a child is involved. Any injuries they sustain could have implications for the rest of their lives. You’ll want to make sure you are doing everything you can to maximize compensation received on their behalf. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to help you plan a path forward.

Contact the Tampa Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Tampa. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500

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