Though we like to think that others are looking out for our children just as we are, this is not always the case. Drivers are not always paying close attention to what is happening around them. This means that a pedestrian accident involving a child can take place in the blink of an eye, forever altering the lives of the child and their family.
At Maison Law, we have successfully represented the victims of pedestrian accidents in California over the years. This means that we have the resources to protect you if you are bringing a pedestrian accident claim on behalf of a child as well. Please contact us as soon as possible so that you can get started on your claim.
Duty of Care Owed to Children on Our Roads in California
Under CACI Number 402 in California, known as the Standard of Care for Minors, an adult is supposed to anticipate the behavior of children everywhere in California. This means utilizing special care for children than they would with other adults. If an adult fails to do so, a plaintiff could seek damages on behalf of their child through a personal injury claim.
Because children might not be well-versed in the rules of the road like an adult would be, they are more likely to become involved in a pedestrian accident. A child might not look both ways before crossing a street, which is why a driver is always supposed to be watchful so that child pedestrian accidents can be prevented.
Common Pedestrian Accidents Involving Children
Weekend Accidents: Because children are more likely to be out playing on the weekend instead of during school hours, pedestrian accidents involving children are more likely to happen then.
Night Accidents: Most pedestrian accidents involving children take place between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. When children are not as visible due to the nighttime, an accident is much more likely.
Intersection Accidents: Pedestrian accidents, especially those involving children, are more likely to occur at intersections than in many other places. These accidents are most prevalent at urban intersections where drivers are speeding. Having crossing guards available can reduce the prevalence of these accidents.
School Zone Accidents: Pedestrian accidents involving children are more common in school zones than many other places. Though there are typically school crossing guards in these areas, this does not always mean that drivers will abide by the rules of the road.
Alcohol Incidents: When a driver is driving under the influence of alcohol, they are more likely to have a slower reaction time and their perception could be off. This means that they might not see a child pedestrian until it is too late.
Dart-Out Accidents: Smaller children who are unaware of the dangers of the road may dart out in traffic from in-between vehicles. This can lead to a tragic accident within seconds.
Bringing a Pedestrian Accident Claim on Behalf of a Child
A child under 18 is unable to bring a personal injury claim by themselves. This means that a parent or guardian of the child must bring their pedestrian accident claim for damages such as the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy costs
- Reduced quality of life caused by the accident
After your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, one of the best decisions that you can make is making sure that they receive immediate medical attention. Protecting your child’s claim for the future is of utmost importance, which is why it is crucial that you act quickly.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in California Today
It can be traumatic and long-winded for a child to recover from a pedestrian accident. Not only could it be a long emotional journey, but the physical pain caused by injuries can be heart-breaking when a child is involved. This is why it is important that you speak with a California pedestrian accident lawyer who has handled these types of cases in the past.
At Maison Law, we are here to help you and your family after your child has been injured in a serious pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver. It can be difficult to deal with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, especially when a child was involved. Please do not hesitate to contact us today to find out what options you have, and for a free case review.
