One of the most upsetting things that can happen to parents is to see their children hurt. If you are like many parents, injuries to your children cause you just as much pain, and you would seek any remedy to bring your child relief.
Your goal is always to protect your child, and you may feel this is out of your control when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver. Car accidents are terrifying in themselves, but when your child is in the car with you, your priorities shift. If you remember the most important steps to take following an accident, you may be able to minimize your child’s pain and suffering.
After the accident
Of course, your first concern is to see if your child suffered any injuries. Even if you have buckled your child safely in a car seat or booster, there is a chance for injury. Just because you do not see signs of bleeding or broken bones does not mean your child should not have a thorough medical examination as soon as possible.
You should also take advantage of medical care yourself. It could be an important factor in your insurance claim or if you decide to pursue compensation through the civil courts. After calling 911, additional steps to take after an accident include the following:
- Contact Georgia police to file a police report. You will need this for your insurance claim and any legal action you may take.
- If you are able to take pictures, be sure to include shots of the damage to both vehicles, injuries you or your children suffered, weather conditions, and other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
- Obtain insurance information from the other driver as well as contact information from the driver, passengers and any potential witnesses.
- Speak as little as possible about the accident to avoid saying anything that others may interpret as taking blame.
- Follow up with medical treatment for yourself and your child.
- Monitor your child closely for the next days or weeks and contact your physician if new symptoms arise that may relate to the accident.
Your concern over your child following a traffic accident is well placed. Children may not be able to verbalize when they are suffering, and your caution may help your child recover more quickly from any injuries. In your worry over your child, you may feel tempted to rush to accept a quick settlement from an insurance company. However, you may find that consulting with an attorney opens options that can maximize the compensation you can obtain for you and your child.