Car accidents are a serious public health issue in Florida. In fact, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicates that nearly 200,000 people were injured in traffic crashes during 2012. When children are injured in car accidents, the results can be devastating and can often affect victims for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, in many instances, Florida law allows parents to file a claim on their behalf to recover compensation to provide for their past, current, and future medical expenses and other losses.
Three Ocala children were seriously injured in an accident involving a pickup truck on August 29th, according to a report published in the Villages-News. The accident occurred when the van in which the children were riding was struck by a pickup truck at around 5:30 p.m while the van’s driver was making a left turn onto County Road 200A from North 35th Street. The driver of the pickup sustained minor injuries in the accident. The children, ages 11, 14, and 15, were all properly restrained at the time of the accident and were transported to Shands UF Health in Gainesville, Florida.
Car Accidents can Entitle Young Victims to Significant Compensation
When children are injured in accidents, they can often recover significant compensation that is meant to provide for their future medical care, particularly if they sustain injuries that will leave them with permanent issues. One of the difficulties in establishing damages in cases involving children is proving that an injury will affect their quality of life into the future. As a result, proper diagnosis of an injury is critical in accident cases involving children. In many instances, the use of a medical expert is required in order to establish that an injury will cause long-term effects that may impair a child’s ability to earn a living or live independently. Some of the kinds of injuries that can often result in long-term problems include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries – These kinds of injuries occur when a bump or blow to the head results in a disruption in normal brain function. In serious cases, victims may develop significant cognitive or physical issues after a TBI.
- Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries, or SCIs, occur when trauma to the spine damages the spinal cord. As the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, the complications associated with SCI can be serious and may even include paralysis.
- Amputations – The loss of a limb or extremity is a traumatic experience that will have a significant impact on a person’s life. Even if the amputated body part is reattached, victims may not ever regain full use or mobility.
Contact an Ocala Car Accident Lawyer Today to Retain Legal Representation
People who are injured in accidents through no fault of their own are justifiably angry and confused and should not be required to shoulder the burden of their injuries alone. Florida personal injury lawyer John H. Piccin has been representing the rights of people injured in preventable accidents for more than 40 years and is dedicated to obtaining full compensation for his clients. To schedule a free consultation with Mr. Piccin, call our office today at 352-558-8480.