Our Skilled Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Explain Your Child’s Rights if They Were Struck by a Car While Crossing the Street
Florida ranks as one of the deadliest states for pedestrians, and that puts children in Florida at a greater risk for pedestrian accidents. When children walk to school, exit a school bus, or make sudden, unexpected movements, they are at risk of being injured by a driver, especially one who may be distracted or moving too quickly. 
If your child was hit by a car while crossing the street, they may be eligible for damages, but negotiating with insurance companies and navigating the complexities of a legal case can be challenging. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Spetsas Buist are here for you. If we take your case, we’ll gather evidence and talk to the insurance companies on your behalf. Here, we discuss child pedestrian rights and how to obtain compensation for the accident.
Common Causes of Child Pedestrian Accidents
Every year in the U.S., over 67,000 child pedestrians are injured. Common causes of these accidents include:
- A child running into the street or intersection
- Vehicles turning into a child’s path
- Vehicles reversing in driveways or parking lots
- Drivers speeding, preventing them from stopping in time
- Obstacles that block a driver’s view of a child entering the road
Although children under the age of six cannot be held liable for accidents, adults who are present with children at the time of the accident may be assigned some fault if they are deemed to have been negligent.
Common Child Pedestrian Injuries in Florida
Understanding traffic rules and risks is often beyond a child’s comprehension. Thus, children are at a higher risk for pedestrian injuries and death. Common injuries children suffer if they’re struck by a car include the following:
- Head and neck injuries (including whiplash)
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb/amputation
Potential Compensation for Your Child’s Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Depending on the nature of your child’s injuries, it’s possible the accident will have long-lasting effects on both your child and your family. Some injuries, such as severe spinal cord injuries or loss of a limb, can lead to long-term or permanent medical complications and even the need for a complete change in your child’s lifestyle and needs. They may also experience difficult mental health effects as a result of a traumatic accident, requiring long-term mental health care.
As your child’s legal guardian, you have a right to speak to insurance companies on their behalf and seek legal action if necessary. It’s important to act quickly and effectively on your child’s behalf so you can get the compensation you need to give your child the best possible medical care. A pedestrian accident attorney can help make this process easier.
Your child’s medical care and possible lifestyle changes can also put a burden on your household finances. Your financial losses and expenses may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages if you must miss work to take care of your child
- Future treatment and support
- Necessary home renovations to accommodate disability
- Loss of your child’s future earning potential as a result of disability
If your child was injured by a car while crossing the street, your child may also be compensated for non-economic damages. These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
How a Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Personal injury claims involving children can be complicated. Depending on your specific case, your lawyer may recommend that insurance companies or the court take into consideration factors such as missed school and the tutoring needed to catch them up on their studies. With so many elements to consider, it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney advocating for you. Consult with the child pedestrian injury attorneys at SpetsasBuist. We’ll treat you like family so you can take care of your own family.
