Important Tips from a Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer If Your Child Was Injured in a Car Accident

It’s back-to-school season in Ohio. Unfortunately, this means that we are likely to see increased car accidents on our local roads. Whether you take your kids to school, your kids ride the bus, or your teens drive themselves, it is essential to know what to do if your child gets injured in a collision. Here is some important information from a Columbus personal injury lawyer:

1. Columbus Car Accidents Can Present Particular Risks for Children and Teens

From toddlers to teens, children of all ages can face particular risks in the event of a car accident. Since children’s bodies are still developing, they are not as well-equipped as adults’ bodies to withstand the forces involved in a crash. As a result, regardless of whether a child is exhibiting any symptoms after a collision, it is advisable to take them to see a doctor.

2. Ohio Has a Fault-Based Auto Insurance System

Under Ohio law, if another driver was at fault in the accident that caused your child’s injuries, you are entitled to coverage under that driver’s auto insurance policy. Ohio is among the majority of states with fault-based auto insurance systems, and you can file a claim regardless of the severity of your child’s injuries. In addition, if you were driving your child or your teen was driving themself, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy should also cover the damage to your family’s vehicle.

3. You May Also Have a Claim Outside of Auto Insurance

In many cases, it will also be possible to pursue a claim outside of auto insurance. For example, if your child was riding the bus and the bus driver caused the accident, the school district could be liable. Or, if the accident involved a collision with a commercial vehicle, then the company that owns the commercial vehicle could be financially responsible for the costs your family incurs.

4. The Costs of Childhood Injuries Can Be Substantial

Speaking of costs, the costs of childhood injuries from car accidents can be substantial. Even if your child can fully heal (which will hopefully be the case), your family could still end up with a mountain of medical bills. If your child experiences permanent effects, then the financial and non-financial costs of the accident will be far greater.

5. Your Family Can Hire a Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer at  No Out-of-Pocket Cost

A Columbus personal injury lawyer can help ensure that your family recovers just compensation for the costs of your child’s injuries, and your family can hire a lawyer at no out-of-pocket cost. At Malek & Malek Law Firm, we provide contingency-fee representation, which means we don’t charge any fees or expenses unless we win.

Contact A Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

If you need to speak with a lawyer about filing a claim for a car accident involving your child, we encourage you to contact us promptly. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call 888-444-7440 or inquire online now.