There is nothing more terrifying for a parent than hearing the words: “Your child has been in a car accident.” Whether the injuries are minor or severe, the emotional toll is immense. Your mind is flooded with questions: Are they okay? Are they scared? How badly are they hurt? What happens next?
When a child is injured in a motor vehicle accident, the situation feels even more frightening because it’s not just about healing physical wounds—it’s also about protecting their future, emotionally, physically, and financially. And as a parent, you’re not just dealing with your own pain. You’re shouldering the burden of navigating medical decisions, understanding your legal options, and figuring out how to move forward while doing everything in your power to be strong for your child.
We’re here to offer clarity, support, and guidance on what to do if your child has been injured in a car crash in Texas. You are not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect your child’s well-being and your family’s peace of mind.
At AMS Law Group, we understand that when your child is hurt, nothing else matters. You just want to make it better, and we want to help you do exactly that. Contact a Richardson car accident lawyer today at (888) 960-8363 or through our online form for a free consultation.
Practical Steps to Take After the Accident
As you tend to your child’s immediate health and emotional well-being, there are also practical steps that need your attention. The moments and days following an accident may feel like a blur, but having a plan can bring some much-needed clarity to an otherwise chaotic situation.
Step One: Get Immediate Medical Attention
The most important thing is your child’s health. Even if your child seems okay right after the crash, it’s critical to get a medical evaluation. Children often don’t express pain the same way adults do. They may be in shock, or they might downplay their symptoms because they don’t want to worry you.
Some injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show signs right away. A thorough medical exam ensures that injuries are diagnosed early and treated properly, which also provides important medical documentation should you pursue a legal claim later on.
If emergency services are called to the scene, make sure your child is evaluated. If not, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or visit an urgent care clinic or emergency room as soon as possible.
Step Two: Watch for Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Physical injuries are only one part of the equation. Car accidents can leave emotional scars, especially in children. Depending on your child’s age and personality, they might experience nightmares, anxiety, fear of getting back in a car, or behavioral changes like mood swings or withdrawal.
These responses are normal—but they should be taken seriously. Pay attention to your child’s emotional health, and don’t hesitate to seek counseling or therapy. A mental health professional with experience working with children can be incredibly helpful in helping them process the trauma.
Getting emotional support early on isn’t just about coping today. It’s about preventing long-term psychological challenges that can follow them into adulthood.
Step Three: Document Everything
Start keeping records from the very beginning. If you’re like most parents, after a traumatic event, your mind is spinning, and your energy is focused on caring for your child. That’s absolutely understandable. Still, keeping track of the details can make a significant difference later.
Here’s what to document:
- Accident Details: Take photos of the vehicles, accident scene, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect names, contact info, and insurance information from all parties involved.
- Medical Records: Save every doctor’s report, hospital bill, prescription receipt, and therapy session summary. These records show the full extent of your child’s injury and treatment.
- Behavioral Changes: Keep a journal of how your child is acting after the accident. Are they sleeping well? Do they seem more anxious? Are they refusing to go in the car? These observations matter.
- Missed Time: Record days missed from school or your own work due to caregiving. These losses can factor into any compensation you may pursue.
Even if you’re unsure about taking legal action right now, having this information ready can help you make informed decisions down the road.
Step Four: Understand the Legal Options for Your Child
In Texas, children who are injured due to another party’s negligence—whether it’s a reckless driver, defective car part, or poorly maintained road—have the legal right to seek compensation. As their parent or legal guardian, you can file a claim on their behalf.
The compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, future medical care, and mental health therapy.
- Pain and suffering: For both physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injury affects your child’s ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
- Parental costs: Out-of-pocket expenses you’ve incurred, like travel for medical care or lost income due to time off work.
If the case goes to court, the funds awarded for your child’s damages are typically held in a special account or trust until they reach adulthood. This ensures the money is available for their future needs, especially in cases of long-term injury.
Step Five: Be Cautious with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly. They may contact you within days of the accident and offer what seems like a generous payout. But here’s the thing: once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more—even if your child’s condition worsens or new issues arise.
You don’t have to deal with this alone. Before you sign anything or speak in detail with an insurance adjuster, know you have every right to seek legal advice. Insurance companies don’t work for your family—they work for their bottom line. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.
What’s best for your child isn’t always what’s best for their budget. This is why having someone who understands the process and has your child’s interests at heart can make a huge difference.
Common Injuries in Children After a Car Accident
The types of injuries children suffer in car accidents vary, but some are more common than others. These include:
- Head injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and skull fractures can happen even with a seatbelt or car seat in place.
- Spinal cord injuries: These are rare but devastating and can lead to long-term mobility issues or paralysis.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible.
- Fractures and broken bones: Arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are vulnerable, especially if the child is improperly restrained or the collision is severe.
- Emotional trauma: Nightmares, PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common, especially if the child witnessed others being injured or feared for their life.
Recognizing these potential injuries—physical and emotional—can help you seek the right care as early as possible.
Long-Term Care and the Road Ahead
One of the most difficult aspects of a serious car accident is not knowing what the future holds. In many cases, the healing process isn’t a matter of weeks or even months—it can take years. And for some children, their injuries may lead to a lifetime of medical needs, physical therapy, or emotional support.
It’s important to keep this long-term perspective in mind when making decisions about treatment, insurance, or legal settlements. While you’re focused on getting through the next doctor’s appointment or therapy session, you should also be thinking about how to ensure your child is protected in the years to come.
Depending on the injury, you may need to:
- Consult specialists for orthopedic, neurological, or psychological care
- Install adaptive equipment in your home or vehicle
- Modify your schedule or job to accommodate caregiving
- Anticipate future surgeries or developmental therapies
These are real, tangible costs—and they deserve to be factored into any financial recovery your family seeks.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
It’s a question many parents ask themselves. You may be worried about the cost or wonder if you can handle it all on your own. But the truth is, car accident cases involving children are complicated, and when it comes to your child’s future, you want every possible advantage.
Here’s how an experienced attorney can help:
- Investigating the accident: Gathering police reports, eyewitness statements, and expert opinions to prove fault
- Building a strong case: Organizing medical records, therapist evaluations, and evidence of emotional trauma
- Calculating future costs: Working with financial and medical experts to estimate long-term care needs
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Pushing back against lowball offers and delaying tactics
- Taking the case to court if needed: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney can represent your family in front of a judge or jury
A skilled legal advocate ensures that your child’s voice is heard and their needs are met—not just now, but for years to come.
Common Roadblocks in Child Injury Claims
While you have every right to pursue compensation, there are some common challenges that can arise in child injury cases:
- Delayed symptoms: Insurance companies may try to claim that new symptoms aren’t related to the crash, even if doctors confirm otherwise.
- Parental blame: If you were driving when the crash occurred, the at-fault driver’s insurance may try to reduce their payout by shifting blame to you—even if the other driver was clearly negligent.
- Settlement restrictions: In Texas, settlements involving children typically require court approval. This ensures the child’s interests are protected, but it can add time and complexity to the process.
- Future damages: Calculating how an injury might affect a child’s future education, employment, or quality of life can be difficult, but it’s crucial to ensure fair compensation.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney helps you navigate these issues and avoid costly mistakes.
Time Limits: What You Should Know About Filing Deadlines
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, when a minor is involved, that deadline is extended—the clock doesn’t start ticking until the child turns 18.
That said, it’s not always a good idea to wait. The sooner you begin building your case, the easier it is to preserve evidence, collect records, and understand the full extent of your child’s needs.
Also, if you’re seeking reimbursement for your own losses, such as medical bills you’ve paid on behalf of your child or income you’ve lost from missing work, you may be subject to the standard two-year deadline. An attorney can help you understand the difference and make sure all deadlines are met.
Discuss Your Legal Options with a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer
At AMS Law Group, we understand that when your child is hurt, nothing else matters. You just want to make it better, and we want to help you do exactly that.
With over 34 years of combined experience, our compassionate team of attorneys has helped hundreds of families across Richardson and the Dallas/Fort Worth area recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward. We’ve secured millions of dollars for victims of car crashes, and we’re committed to doing the same for you.
We believe in:
- Clear communication: You’ll always have direct access to your attorney.
- Compassionate representation: We treat every client like family.
- Relentless advocacy: We fight for the maximum compensation you and your child deserve.
- No-risk support: With our “no win, no fee” guarantee, you never pay unless we win your case.
Your family’s peace of mind is our priority. We’ll walk with you every step of the way—from investigation and medical coordination to settlement or trial. And we’ll never stop fighting for your child’s future.
Let us help you turn a moment of crisis into a path forward. Contact us today at (888) 960-8363 or through our online form for a free consultation.