You would do anything to protect your children, and if your children have been injured during an automobile accident, it’s imperative that you seek financial compensation so that your family isn’t burdened by medical expenses or the cost of rehabilitative services. It won’t always be easy to think clearly and strategically after an automobile accident that occurred with your kids in the car, but it’s imperative that you take a few specific steps if you want to receive compensation for any injuries they suffered. In today’s blog, we share some tips for collecting compensation for child and infant injuries following a Minnesota car accident.
Car Accident Compensation For Your Kids
For starters, know that Minnesota is a No Fault state when it comes to car accidents, so as long as you have car insurance, you have compensation options for you and any passengers in your vehicle, no matter who was at fault for the accident. Under Minnesota law, you can seek up to $20,000 in medical expenses through your insurance company’s personal injury protection policy. You and your kids may also be eligible for up to $20,000 in non-economic damage compensation, for things like wage loss, replacement services or similar expenses. All of this is available through your own insurance policy regardless of who is at fault.
However, if you or your child’s economic or non-economic expenses exceed this $20,000 maximum, you may pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver. You will need to prove that the other party’s actions or negligence caused the accident and injuries. Besides having an attorney in your corner to build a strong case, here are some steps to take to make it easier for you to win an additional claim for any injuries your child suffered:
Prompt Medical Examination – If you are at all considering filing a claim, or your child is showing any sign of injury, you need to take them to a doctor right away. Even if it’s clear that it’s not a life threatening situation, you need to have their injuries professionally assessed and documented. This will provide a clear connection between the car accident and the documented injuries they suffered. Don’t see how they feel over the course of a few days, head in for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Collect Evidence And Witness Information – If nobody needs emergency medical attention, take a few moments to collect as much evidence about the accident as possible. This will make it easier to prove your case down the road. Take pictures of the scene or the accident and any injuries your occupants suffered. Also try to get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident so that they can verify your claims. Again, only do this if emergency medical care is not required.
Monitor Them – Every kid will react differently to a car accident. These accidents can be very physically and emotionally scarring, so you really want to keep an eye on your child over the next few days. If new injuries develop or you believe they may benefit from counseling (which may be covered by an injury claim), you’ll want to reach out to a doctor or lawyer. Keep a close eye on your kid in the days and weeks following an accident.
Connect With An Attorney – Life is going to be hectic in following a car accident involving your kids, so it’s best to connect with a lawyer and let them do all of the legwork needed to get a claim started. The insurance company is going to have a bevy of lawyers on their side, so it’s important that you have a professional in your corner fighting for your rights. Don’t let the other side take advantage of your inexperience and your hectic situation, connect with a personal injury lawyer and let them help you get the compensation you deserve.
Run Communication Through Your Lawyer – You are going to have to notify your insurance company of your car accident, but be wary of giving a recorded statement without first talking with a lawyer. While your insurance company will be the ones paying you through a No Fault claim, that certainly doesn’t mean they are on your side. They are going to do whatever they can to limit their liability and your payday, so don’t be afraid to talk with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement. Similarly, if you get any correspondence or settlement offers through the mail, pass them along to your attorney so they can advise your next move.
Life will get frenetic after a car accident involving your kids, so take a deep breath and trust your injury claim to a professional with your best interests at heart. For more information, or for help with a car accident claim, give the team at Hey Workers a call today at (844) 439-9675.
