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Car accidents involving minor children are every parent’s nightmare. When a child is hurt in a crash, families face not only the emotional burden but also complex legal challenges. At Kevin Patrick Law, we understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we’re here to help you navigate Georgia’s legal system to protect your child’s future.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Georgia car accidents involving minor children, including your rights, next steps, and how a trusted Georgia child injury attorney, like Kevin Patrick, can help.
When an accident happens, the health and safety of your child must come first. Here’s what Kevin Patrick recommends:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Always have your child examined by a healthcare professional, even if there are no visible injuries. Many serious conditions, like concussions, can be hidden.
2. Contact the Police
A police report will be a key piece of evidence if you pursue an injury claim on behalf of your child.
3. Gather Evidence
Document everything — photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and witness statements.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident promptly but avoid making detailed statements to any insurance company before consulting with a Georgia child injury lawyer.
Children require special protection under Georgia law. If your child has been hurt, here’s what you should know:
Since minors cannot file lawsuits themselves, a parent or guardian must bring the claim. Kevin Patrick can guide you through this process, ensuring your child’s rights are fully protected.
Medical Expenses: Parents may recover the costs they’ve paid for their child’s medical care.
Pain and Suffering: A separate claim compensates the child for their physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
In Georgia, if a child’s settlement exceeds $15,000, court approval is required. This safeguard ensures the settlement is fair and that the child’s money is properly managed, often through a trust account.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we handle all aspects of court approval so parents can focus on their child’s healing.
Typically, adults have two years to file a personal injury claim. However, for a child injured in a car accident in Georgia, the two-year countdown starts on their 18th birthday — meaning they generally have until age 20 to file a lawsuit.
Important: Claims for medical expenses (which parents must file) still have the standard two-year limit from the accident date.
Children are especially vulnerable to serious injuries during accidents. Common injuries we see at Kevin Patrick Law include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal injuries
Broken bones
Internal organ damage
Emotional and psychological trauma
Some injuries can have long-term effects, making it crucial to secure compensation that covers future medical care and therapy.
Physical injuries are only part of the story. Children may experience emotional trauma, such as:
Fear of riding in vehicles
Anxiety or depression
Sleep disturbances
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Our team at Kevin Patrick Law ensures these invisible injuries are recognized in settlement demands, so your child receives the comprehensive care they need.
Because Georgia is an “at-fault” state, the driver responsible for the accident — or their insurer — must pay for damages. This includes:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disability or disfigurement
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can step in. Kevin Patrick can review your insurance policy to explore all avenues of compensation.
Handling an injury claim for a child involves unique legal requirements and sensitive negotiations with insurance companies. Working with an experienced Georgia child injury attorney ensures that:
Your child’s full needs (medical, educational, emotional) are accounted for.
The settlement is reviewed and approved by the court if necessary.
Funds are safely managed for your child’s future.
You’re protected from lowball offers by insurance companies.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we are proud to provide compassionate, knowledgeable legal support for families across Georgia. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your child.
A car accident involving your child is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. But with the right support, you can help ensure your child’s recovery — physically, emotionally, and financially.
If your child has been injured in a car accident, contact Kevin Patrick Law today. Kevin Patrick is here to help securethe compensation and peace of mind your family deserves.
📞 Call today for a free consultation or 📩 contact us online — We’re ready to help.
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