Maison Law represents children and adults injured in pedestrian accidents every year. In the blink of an eye, a child’s life could be turned upside-down due to a pedestrian accident that was caused by a negligent driver. If your child has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident and you know that another party is to blame, contact a knowledgeable California pedestrian accident lawyer for your free consultation. You and your family need recovery options during this challenging time.
Common Reasons for Child Pedestrian Accidents
Children and teens walk to and from many places in California, from daily jobs to school activities. On top of a child’s small stature and the fact that they are not the easiest to see, children are also not always aware of all the dangers of our roads. This is why child-related pedestrian accidents are more likely to happen and lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
There are several common reasons for pedestrian accidents involving children in California, such as the following:
Backing Accidents: Every year, thousands of children are reportedly injured or killed in accidents that involve a driver backing out of a driveway or parking lot. In many of these cases, a driver was not watching out for a child in their mirrors or they failed to check behind them completely before backing.
Distracted Driving: When a driver is talking on their cell phone or eating while driving, a distracted driving accident involving a young pedestrian could happen within seconds. In the seconds that it takes to send a text, a pedestrian accident with devastating results could occur.
Accidents in School Zones: Even though we expect school zones to be some of the safest places on our roads, they can actually be dangerous for child pedestrians. This is due to the fact that drivers do not always travel at the slow speed limit that is expected of them or fail to watch for crossing guards.
Lack of Sidewalks or Crosswalks: When there are no sidewalks or crosswalks present on roads, a child may cross a road somewhere that is not at an intersection. This can lead to tragic results if a driver is not expecting to see a child in that area.
Residential Area Accidents: Studies show that children are more likely to be involved in an accident in a residential area, which is why drivers should always be on the lookout for children in these areas and beyond.
Duty of Care Expected of Drivers Regarding Young Pedestrians
California law states that drivers owe a duty of care to watch out for pedestrians at all times so that accidents involving children can be avoided. This means that a driver is always supposed to yield for a pedestrian and take any action possible to avoid striking them.
Children, however, are more likely to dart out in front of vehicles at intersections or walk in between vehicles as they are crossing the street, making it less likely for them to be seen. This is why drivers are always supposed to anticipate children and follow the speed limit so that pedestrian accidents involving children can be avoided at any cost.
Common Injuries in Child Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable parties on our roads due to the fact that they have no protection from harm in the event of an accident. This means that, in the event of an accident, a pedestrian is likely to suffer from debilitating injuries that can impact them for weeks, months, or even years. These include some of the following:
- Bone breaks and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Fatality in the worst cases
When pedestrian accidents involving children take place at higher speeds, they are likely to end in more catastrophic harm. Many child pedestrians who survive their accidents will spend an extended time in the hospital and will require medical equipment, rehabilitation, and more as they focus on their physical recovery.
Who Can Bring a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of a Child?
There are limited parties who can bring a personal injury claim on behalf of a child after a pedestrian accident. In most cases, you will not be able to bring a claim for an injured child unless you are the parent or guardian of the child. From there, you may be able to receive damages on behalf of your child for some of the following aspects:
- Medical expenses of the past, present, and future
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Transportation costs
- Reduced quality of life
The best way to help your child protect their rights after a pedestrian accident is to make sure that they receive immediate medical attention for their injuries. Not only is it the best option for their well-being and health, but it can also help you protect your claim in the future. From there, gathering evidence can help you succeed in your claim.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney After an Accident Involving a Child
There is no question that a child’s recovery after a pedestrian accident will be a long and traumatic journey. From the most minor injuries to the most severe, a child will likely spend time in the hospital and could miss out on their favorite activities after an accident. After one of these accidents, it is important to rely on the assistance of a California pedestrian accident lawyer who has handled claims like this in the past and has experience with California accident laws.
You should never have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses on your own after an accident. When the insurance company starts to call you regarding your child’s accident, you may be feeling confused and alone. Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be difficult, which is why we are here for you at Maison Law. We offer you a free consultation that is completely confidential so that you and your family can get started on healing. Contact us today for more information.
