Auto Accident Lawyer: Understanding Car Accidents in Texas Involving Children

Firstly, minors cannot file their own personal injury claim. Instead, their parents or guardian must do so on their behalf. Alternatively, a child can wait until they reach the age of majority (usually 18 years of age) to file their own claim.

There are also different procedural requirements for personal injury claims involving children. For example, in many jurisdictions, a judge must review and approve the settlement agreement.

INJURIES TO CHILDREN FROM CAR ACCIDENTS IN TEXAS

The types of injuries commonly sustained by children in car accidents also differ from adults, which can impact the level of compensation they receive. As children’s bodies are still developing, they are more prone to certain types of injuries.

Common injuries in car accident cases involving children include those to the head or brain, spinal cord, and thoracic areas, as well as fractures and psychological trauma.

HEAD OR BRAIN INJURIES

Head or brain injuries are one of the most common injuries sustained by children in car accidents, especially in children under one. Injuries of this nature can have serious, long-lasting impacts on a child’s cognitive development and their ability to participate in school and other activities.

SPINAL CORD INJURIES

Especially in babies and toddlers, the neck area is highly flexible. This makes the latter age group more susceptible to spinal cord injuries as a result of a car accident.

THORACIC INJURIES

In motor vehicle accidents, children under the age of one year have a higher chance of sustaining significant injuries to their heart and lungs as a result of a blow to the chest. Fractured ribs are another common injury.

FRACTURES

Given children’s bones are still developing, they’re more prone to fractures than adults. Depending on the location of the fracture, like a growth plate, there can be future issues in terms of growth and therapy.

PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA

The trauma of a car accident can lead to ongoing psychological conditions in children, such as anxiety. These can require ongoing counseling or other treatment.