Child Seriously Injured After Stockton Hit and Run
A young child was seriously injured after a hit and run accident in Stockton, CA, on the evening of March 22, 2020. The incident occurred shortly before 6:00 p.m. along the 1500 block of East Ninth Street. Officers responding to the scene found an injured 1-year-old boy who was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The child was last reported to be in critical condition, according to the Stockton Police Department. Authorities said witnesses described the vehicle involved in the hit and run as a silver-colored sedan. No other details have yet been provided, and an investigation into this incident is ongoing.
Who Pays for a Child’s Medical Expenses After a Stockton Hit and Run?
The car insurance company representing the at-fault party is generally responsible for paying a child’s medical expenses following a pedestrian accident. Keep in mind that medical treatment must be deemed reasonable and necessary for financial recovery. In cases where the negligent driver does not have enough insurance or none to cover a child’s medical expenses, then the child’s parent or legal guardian may file a claim for compensation with their car insurance policy. This is a viable option, so long as they carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). This will compensate a parent for any medical bills and damages that are not fully covered by the at-fault party. The same coverage may also come into play in cases involving hit and runs.
What Other Damages Does Car Insurance Cover for a Pedestrian Accident?
When a child suffers injuries in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, California law allows parents or legal guardians to recover monetary damages on behalf of their injured child. These are intended to cover past and future medical expenses, as well as disfigurement, emotional trauma, long-term disability, and pain and suffering caused as a result of the incident. While a pedestrian has the right-of-way in most situations, a pedestrian accident case involving a child is not always clear cut, especially when it comes to liability.
Who is at Fault When a Child is Hit by a Car?
When a pedestrian accident causes injuries to a child, the driver of the vehicle involved is usually at-fault. Regardless of a child’s actions, the driver has a higher duty of care when it comes to being aware of their surroundings, especially in areas where children are likely to be present. This includes parks, residential areas, and school zones. When the unthinkable happens and your child has suffered catastrophic injuries in an auto-pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, a Stockton personal injury lawyer can help. To learn what to look for in a reputable attorney, watch the video below.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
When children are injured in pedestrian accidents, not only do they experience emotional and mental trauma, but they may also be left with physical injuries that can last a lifetime. Catastrophic accidents have the potential to leave children with scarring that can be permanent in nature, and no parent wants this to happen to their child. At AutoAccident.com, we understand that accidents happen, but when one occurs through no fault of our own, the negligent driver or entity should be held financially responsible for their wrongdoing. When you choose our law firm to represent your child after a pedestrian accident, you can rest assured knowing that you and your family have experienced, dedicated, and compassionate lawyers working on your child’s behalf.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. If your child has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, an experienced injury lawyer can help you recover monetary damages for the harm your child has suffered. Please call me anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice on how to move forward in your situation.
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At our personal injury law firm, we offer each family we represent with some peace of mind knowing that we are working on their behalf to obtain fair compensation and justice. To see how we have helped other families affected by personal injury and wrongful death, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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