What If My Child Were Injured in a North Carolina Car Crash?

Few situations are more frightening for a parent than learning their child has been injured in a car crash. Even a seemingly minor collision can have serious physical and emotional effects on a young passenger.

Understanding your child’s rights and the legal steps you can take is crucial to ensuring they receive proper care and fair compensation. In North Carolina, personal injury claims involving minors follow specific rules designed to protect their best interests.

Understanding How Child Injury Claims Work

When a child is injured in a car crash, the process of seeking compensation is different from that of an adult. Because minors cannot file lawsuits on their own, a parent or legal guardian must act on their behalf. These claims can cover medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and long-term care needs resulting from the crash.

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims typically gives minors additional time to file a lawsuit. While most adults have three years to file a claim, a child’s time limit does not begin until they reach age eighteen. However, it is essential not to wait. Acting quickly allows your attorney to gather fresh evidence, document medical records, and negotiate with insurers before critical details are lost.

Common Injuries Children Suffer in Car Crashes

Children are more vulnerable to injury in motor vehicle collisions due to their smaller size and developing bodies. Even with proper car seats or restraints, they can experience significant trauma.

Common injuries include:

• Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can occur even in low-speed impacts.
• Whiplash and Neck Strain: Sudden movements can cause pain and stiffness that require ongoing treatment.
• Fractures and Sprains: Broken bones and joint injuries are common, especially in side-impact or rollover crashes.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, sleep issues, and fear of riding in a vehicle often follow a traumatic event.

If your child seems unhurt right after the crash, it is still critical to seek medical attention. Some symptoms take hours or days to appear, and early diagnosis can prevent complications.

Recovering Compensation for a Child’s Injuries

The compensation available after a child’s car crash injury depends on the details of the case. Damages may include payment for medical expenses, therapy, pain and suffering, and future treatment needs. If the injury leads to long-term physical or cognitive challenges, our attorneys can help estimate lifetime costs and pursue the full value of those damages.

When settlement funds are awarded to a minor, North Carolina law requires that they be managed responsibly—often through a court-approved trust or account that ensures the money is used for the child’s benefit. Our attorneys are experienced in handling child injury cases and can help guide parents through this process and ensure all requirements are met.

Contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A. for Help

If your child has been injured in a car crash in Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina, you do not have to face the legal and emotional challenges alone. The attorneys at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A. are dedicated to helping families secure the care and compensation their children deserve.

Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and handle every step of the process so you can focus on your child’s recovery.

We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand?

Because every case is different, the descriptions of awards and issues previously handled by our law firm do not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.