- When a child is injured in an accident, a litigation guardian, typically a parent or guardian, must represent them in legal proceedings and make decisions that prioritize the child’s best interests.
- Any settlement for a child’s personal injury claim must be approved by the Court. This ensures the settlement is fair and in the child’s best interests before the funds are distributed.
- Given the complexity of minor injury claims, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Valent Legal can guide you through the process and ensure your child’s rights are fully protected.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Report the Accident to the Police and Your Insurance Provider
- Document the Scene and Preserve Evidence
- Monitor Your Child for Delayed Symptoms
- Understand How Claims Work When a Minor Is Involved
- Be Cautious When Communicating With Insurance Adjusters
- How Valent Legal Helps Families After a Child Is Injured
- Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
The moments after your child has been injured in a car accident can be harrowing. Your fear may turn to anger as you consider the steps you need to take to seek justice. Acting quickly is the best way to preserve your child’s health, protect their legal rights, and get them compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.
If you need legal help after your child has been injured in a car accident, the trusted personal injury team at Valent Legal is ready to get you the justice you deserve. Our compassionate, down-to-earth Halifax car accident lawyers can handle every aspect of your case so you and your child can focus on recovering and moving forward. Contact us online or call (902) 443-4488 today to schedule a free, no-risk case assessment.
Here are some specific, actionable steps to take if your child has been injured in a car accident in Nova Scotia:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
It’s crucial to have your child seen by a physician as soon as possible after a car accident. Some crash-related injuries may not be immediately visible, especially in children. Therefore, getting a prompt medical evaluation is essential to ensuring their health and safety.
After the examination, save any medical records you receive and keep track of all prescribed treatments and follow-up care. In addition, take notes about any symptoms your child experiences, including dates, times, and other relevant details.
Report the Accident to the Police and Your Insurance Provider
Call 911 and notify law enforcement about the crash. The police will investigate and generate an official report outlining the available information on the case. Police reports can serve as a critical foundation for uncovering evidence.
It’s also important to notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Many insurance policies require beneficiaries to disclose a potential claim within a short period of time. Reporting the crash to your insurer can help protect your benefits, prevent coverage disputes, and expedite the claims process.
Document the Scene and Preserve Evidence
Strong evidence is essential for proving another driver’s fault and establishing damages in a child injury case, but evidence weakens over time. If you’re able to remain on the scene briefly, make sure to take photos of any damage resulting from the crash. Speak with any witnesses nearby and obtain their contact information if they’re willing to provide a statement.
Monitor Your Child for Delayed Symptoms
Even after an initial medical evaluation, children can often experience delayed-onset injury symptoms following a car accident. Concussions, emotional trauma, or internal injuries are common examples of conditions that tend to present later on.
Make sure to follow up with medical professionals on your child’s care after the crash. Track any symptoms your child experiences with thorough notes, especially if they seem abnormal. In addition, document how the injury affects their daily life.
Understand How Claims Work When a Minor Is Involved
Nova Scotia has specific rules governing personal injury claims involving children, including those related to car accidents. Nova Scotia law considers any injury victim under 19 to be a minor, requiring a “litigation guardian” to pursue their claim on their behalf—often their parent. A court must also approve any settlement resolving a personal injury claim by a minor, and any compensation recovered will be placed in a trust until the victim turns 19.
Different local procedures and requirements can complicate your claim. To ensure you can navigate the legal process efficiently and recover compensation for your child’s injuries, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Valent Legal is here to guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Be Cautious When Communicating With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies are always seeking to minimize payouts, even in cases where a child is injured. Insurers only look out for their own bottom lines, so don’t accept any early settlement offers or speak with insurance representatives before consulting with a car accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters can and will use any communications with you to shift blame onto you and reduce the amount they owe.
How Valent Legal Helps Families After a Child Is Injured
At Valent Legal, every case is personal for us. We understand how traumatizing and frightening a car accident injury can be, both for the victim and their parents. You and your child have rights, and we work hard to protect them. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on supporting your child through their recovery.
Our lawyers will help evaluate your child’s injuries, estimate long-term damages, and assist with future medical needs. We handle all communications with insurance companies, including settlement negotiations. Our team will fight to recover the compensation you deserve and secure the comprehensive resolution and closure your family needs to move forward.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today
If your child has been injured in a car accident, our lawyers are ready to put their trusted legal experience to work for you. We provide our strong representation and compassionate care on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees unless you win your case.
Contact us online or call (902) 443-4488 today to schedule a free, no-risk consultation with our team.