Children are especially vulnerable on bikes, even when wearing protective gear. If a vehicle strikes a young bicycle rider, it almost always results in serious injuries to the child.
After such an incident, it’s vitally important to take steps to protect the child’s health and their right to file an injury claim once they recover. Here’s what to do if a child is injured in a bicycle accident:
Get Medical Care Immediately
Your child’s health comes first. Call 911 if the injuries are serious, and seek medical attention even if they appear minor at first. Children cannot always describe what they feel, and injuries like concussions and internal trauma are not always visible right after the collision.
Children involved in bicycle accidents may suffer injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Skull fractures
- Facial injuries and dental damage
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Road rash and severe lacerations
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Dislocated joints
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety about riding or traffic
A prompt medical evaluation provides your child with early treatment and diagnosis and documents the connection between the accident and their injuries.
Report the Accident and Document the Scene
Make sure the accident is reported to police so an official report is created. If you are at the scene or can return to it soon after, document everything you can:
- Photographs of the scene
- Your child’s bicycle
- Any vehicle involved
- The names and contact information of the driver and any witnesses
- Insurance information from the driver
- Road conditions and anything that may have contributed
This evidence can be difficult to recover later, so gather what you can while it is available.
Preserve the Bicycle and Equipment
Do not repair or discard your child’s bicycle, helmet, or other equipment after the accident. These items can serve as important evidence of how the crash occurred and the force involved. Store everything in a safe place until your claim is resolved.
Be Careful With Insurance Companies
The driver’s insurance company may contact you, sometimes with an early settlement offer. Be cautious. Initial offers are often far lower than what a child’s injury claim is truly worth, especially when the full extent of the injury is not yet known. Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any offer before speaking with an attorney.
Understand Your Child’s Legal Rights
Children injured by a negligent driver have the same right to compensation as adults. However, a parent or guardian typically pursues the claim on the child’s behalf. Illinois also gives injured minors extended time to file until the child reaches adulthood (assuming a parent or guardian doesn’t initiate legal action).
A successful bicycle accident claim may cover your child’s medical bills, future treatment, pain and suffering, and any lasting effects of the injury. An experienced St. Charles bicycle accident attorney can make sure your child’s long-term needs are fully accounted for.
If your child was injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation. Call Feagans Law Group to learn more about your rights.