Any car accident has the potential to be traumatizing, but those that involve children can be particularly devastating. Children are more susceptible to serious and long-term injuries. Younger children specifically are not yet fully developed and are less protected against the impact they sustain in auto accidents. For this reason, it is critical to get fair and just compensation when a car accident involves children in Utah. Physical injuries that may take years to heal and mental health issues that may take even longer to solve deserve to be properly considered in any kind of settlement or jury verdict.
At Wilcox & Mastrorocco, we understand how important it is for families to be compensated in order to heal properly. Contact our office today at 801-960-4046 to schedule a Free Strategy Consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Are Car Accident Claims in Utah Different for Children?
When it comes to making a personal injury claim for a child involved in a car accident, the child usually has the same rights to compensation as
an adult. A child can recover damages for medical expenses, loss of ability to earn an income, and pain and suffering. In certain situations, a child can also seek punitive damages.
However, there are some key differences between car accident claims for adults and those for children.
Firstly, minors cannot file their own personal injury claim. Instead, their parents or legal guardian must do so on their behalf. Alternatively, a child can file a claim on their own behalf during a short window of time after the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 years of age).
There are also different procedural requirements for personal injury claims involving children. For example, in Utah, a judge must review and approve any auto accident settlement with a minor if the settlement amount is $15,000 or more.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Utah Today
Auto accidents involving children should be addressed with special legal consideration. Children's injuries may require more specialized medical attention, and the legal procedure involved in handling a minor's injury claim can be far more complex in comparison to an adult's claim. At Wilcox & Mastrorocco, we are highly experienced in representing children who have been injured by the negligence of another. We are happy to closely review and investigate the circumstances around your child's injury claim to help ensure that your child gets fair and just compensation. Contact us either via our online form or by calling us today at 801-960-4046 to schedule a Free Strategy Consultation.
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