What can you do if your child was injured in a pedestrian accident? If your child was hit by a car in Georgia, a Duluth pedestrian accident lawyer can help you take legal action against the person responsible for the accident.
You can receive the support you need while ensuring your child can get the treatment they need to recover.
What Steps to Take Right After Your Child Has Been Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident
Every minute counts after your child has been hit by a vehicle. What you do next can make a difference in their safety and the success of any claim you file on their behalf. It is important to take these steps right after an accident if your child was injured in a pedestrian accident:
- Call 911: Call for medical attention and police so your child can receive immediate medical attention and the scene can be assessed by law enforcement.
- File a police report: Request that a police report be filed to ensure there is an official record of the event and obtain a copy of the completed report.
- Compile evidence: Take photos and videos of the scene and your child’s injuries if possible. Get statements from witnesses if possible.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact, vehicle and insurance information with the driver who hurt your child.
- Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer: Hire a lawyer as soon as possible to guide you through the legal process and advocate for you and your child.
- File a claim: With the help of a lawyer, file a claim with the insurance company and/or a personal injury claim so you can recover compensation.
Each of these steps can help your child get the care they need to recover and heal from their injuries. They can also help you secure the compensation you need to make that possible with peace of mind. Resolving a claim involving a child is often more complicated, and a lawyer can help you ensure that you get the results you need when your child has been hurt.
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What to Expect When Resolving Your Child’s Pedestrian Accident Case
After the immediate aftermath of the accident, you will likely proceed with filing a lawsuit against the person who hit your child with their vehicle. Your lawyer can walk you through the process as well as draft and file the appropriate paperwork. They will also review all the documentation you have collected and determine whether or not more evidence needs to be gathered to strengthen your case.
Once all the relevant information has been submitted and the other party has been notified of your lawsuit against them, the process can begin in order to reach a resolution in your child’s case. Negotiations begin to try to reach a settlement that will satisfactorily cover your child’s injuries and resulting expenses. The case will proceed to court if a settlement cannot be reached.
If your child was injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to file a claim as soon as possible to get the relief you need and ensure the statute of limitations has not expired. According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you have two years to file a claim on behalf of your child. However, the statute of limitations can also be paused until two years after the child’s eighteenth birthday if they want to file a claim themselves, according to Georgia Code § 9-3-90.
Recovering Settlements in a Child Injury Case
Recovering settlements on behalf of a child is different than recovering one as an adult. According to Georgia Code § 29-3-3, the amount of a settlement can make a big difference in what happens next. There is a $25,000 threshold that dictates what happens to the settlement that is issued.
For settlements that are less than $25,000 or are less than that after all relevant fees are deducted, parents and guardians may accept the settlement on behalf of the child. The awarded funds can be used to ensure the child receives the care they need.
On the other hand, if a settlement is over $25,000, the court must approve the settlement first. The parent or guardian may also have to become the child’s conservator before the money can be granted. The settlement will likely be put into a trust and may require court approval to access it.
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An Experienced Lawyer is on Your Child’s Side
Because of the nuances of child pedestrian cases, there are many benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Georgia if your child was injured. A lawyer possesses knowledge and experience that they can use to help you maximize the compensation your child can receive for their injuries. They will also help you investigate the accident and ensure you have a strong case and strategy.
Your lawyer also possesses the strong negotiation skills needed to get maximum results from the insurance company or in a personal injury claim. They also have experience with the court system and can provide valuable and trusted counsel. As they represent your child, they will protect them and put your child’s needs front and center.
A lawyer can provide you with peace of mind during a difficult time. Not only can they ensure nothing is said or done to hurt your child’s case, but they can also handle all the legal aspects on your behalf so you can focus on caring for your child. Your lawyer will be your ally throughout the entire process.
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Slam Dunk Attorney Fights for Your Child
Slam Dunk Attorney understands how terrifying it can be when your child has been injured, and we provide you and your family with compassionate service and fiercely fight to secure maximum compensation so your child can begin to heal.
To talk with an attorney from our firm, schedule a free consultation today and learn more about how we can serve you in your time of need.
Call or text 404-951-3513 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
