How do car crash cases differ when children are involved?

Lake City, FL—If a parent and their child were involved in a car accident in or nearby to Lake City, FL, both may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and other accident-related expenses. If the child is a minor, their parent will need to file an insurance claim for themselves and their child in an effort to recover compensation from their policy. In the State of Florida, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance which covers things like medical expenses and lost wages.

Generally, if injuries were sustained in a wreck and medical treatment was sought within 14 days after the crash, a PIP claim can be filed, and the insurer will pay up to $10,000. Unfortunately, if a parent and their child were both injured, they might find that their insurance coverage isn’t enough to pay for all of their accident-related expenses. When this happens, the child’s parent may be able to recover compensation from the other party’s insurer if the accident was caused by someone else.

When Insurance Limits Have Been Reached

While insurance is supposed to provide accident victims with the financial relief they need, there are times when claims are wrongfully denied, undervalued, or coverage becomes exhausted. When this happens and a parent is still looking for ways to recover the compensation they need for themselves and their child, they can turn to the legal system for help.

If a car accident victim is unable to recover the money they are due from the insurer, they can go after the party who was responsible for causing the accident, given there was one. To do this, they will need to file a civil lawsuit against the party in the county in which the accident occurred. If the injured party needs to file in a different county, they should speak with a Lake City, FL car accident lawyer to find out if the venue can be changed.

When a Child is Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident While Riding in a Friend’s Vehicle

In the event a child suffered injuries in a car crash while riding with a friend, they may be able to recover compensation from their parent’s insurance policy or the policy of the owner of the vehicle they were riding in. In addition, their parent may also hold the right to file a civil action against any liable parties in an attempt to recover damages. 

Anytime a minor is involved in a car crash in Florida, their parent or legal guardian is expected to file an insurance claim or civil lawsuit. If the child is not a minor, meaning they are 18 years of age or older, then they would be expected to take legal action on their own.

Get Help From a Qualified Car Accident Lawyer in Lake City, FL

Navigating the claims process and legal system can be tricky but there are experienced Lake City, FL car accident lawyers who can help. If a parent is looking to recover compensation for themselves and their child for the injuries they suffered in a collision, the attorneys at Koberlein Law Offices are ready to help.

Koberlein Law Offices can be reached at any of their office locations listed down below:

855 SW Baya Drive

Lake City, FL 32025

Phone: 386-269-9802

Website: www.klo-attorneys.com

118 Ohio Avenue N, Suite A

Live Oak, FL 32064

Phone: 386-516-2626

8443 SW 14 Lane

Gainesville, FL 32607

Phone: 352-519-4357