What to Do When a Child is Involved in a Car Accident: Insights from a Car Wreck Lawyer
Car accidents are always a traumatic experience, but when a child is involved, the situation becomes even more distressing. Attorney David Greene of Greene & Phillips Personal Injury Lawyers recently appeared on Studio 10 to discuss the critical steps to take when a minor is involved in a car crash.
Immediate Steps After an Accident
The first and most crucial step is to call 911 and have the authorities come to the scene. Whether it’s the local police, Mobile PD, or state troopers, it’s essential to ensure that an official report is filed. “Let them do a report. It’s very, very important,” emphasizes David Greene.
After ensuring that the authorities are notified, seeking medical treatment is the next vital step. Even if the child appears to have no injuries, getting checked out by a medical professional is critical. Sometimes people say, “Well, I’m okay, I’ve got a bump on the head or whatever,” but without getting a medical diagnosis, you really don’t know what’s really going on. This step is not only crucial for the child’s health but also for any potential legal case that might arise. Medical records are essential for showing a judge what happened and for resolving any legal matters.
Special Considerations for Toddlers and Infants
When it comes to toddlers and infants, the situation can become more complicated. Since young children may not be able to communicate their symptoms effectively, it’s even more important to get them to a doctor. We recommends using your judgment to decide whether to take the child to the emergency room or a pediatrician. “If you’ve got something serious, absolutely go to the emergency room. If it’s something maybe not so serious, your pediatrician is a good option.”
Mobile, Alabama, has some excellent pediatric specialists, and we advise taking advantage of those resources. Having proper documentation that the child has been thoroughly checked out is key if a case does develop.
What to Do If You’re Not the Legal Guardian
Another important point raised during the interview is what to do if you’re not the legal guardian of the child involved in the accident. In such cases, the priority should still be getting the child the medical attention they need. “Get them to the hospital. They’ll sort that out,” said Greene. Hospitals have protocols in place to handle situations where the legal guardian isn’t present, and they will reach out to the parents or guardians as soon as possible.
How to Reach Out for Legal Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a car accident involving a child, Greene & Phillips has car wreck lawyers available to help navigate you through the healing and compensation process. Hiring a personal injury lawyer, means we take care of sorting out the medical bills, lost wages, and dealing with the insurance company. We offer 24/7 support, and you can reach us by filling out a contact form. Alternatively, you can call or text us directly at 251-300-2000.
