The last thing you want to deal with is a car accident – especially if there is a child involved. The trauma of the experience, coupled with physical injuries, can feel like too much to handle. However, for parents, prioritizing your child’s well-being in the aftermath of an accident is critical. 

What do you need to do differently when filing a claim involving children to ensure the best outcome? You’ve come to the right place to find out. Read on to learn five steps you can take to protect your child and manage the situation well. 

1. Get Medical Care Immediately

Some accidents make seeing a doctor imperative in the minutes following the event. But in other cases, a few scrapes may make it seem like you can get away with deferring medical attention. 

Even the best defensive driving strategies can’t overcome a poor driver on the other side, and in those seemingly less severe scenarios, you’re better off seeking care from a medical professional. 

Concussions and other forms of internal injuries don’t always look obvious, but they can cause irreparable damage if left untreated. Don’t take chances with your child’s health. Visit an ER, an urgent care clinic, or your child’s primary care physician for a checkup and collect copies of their visit reports. 

2. Gather Essential Documents

To file a claim, you’ll need paperwork to validate your case. That means you’ll need to assemble a portfolio of evidence, including items like photographs of the accident scene itself. Capture images of damage to the vehicle and its interior. 

Photograph injuries, too, to have a clear picture of how they look before medical care. If witnesses are present, ask them for statements and collect their contact information. When you file a police report, get a copy for your records. 

Likewise, keep physical copies of all prescriptions and other health-related documents to bolster your position in the claims process. And don’t forget about the accident’s impact on your child’s mental health. 

Ask your child how they are feeling in the days after the accident to track their mental wellness, and write down everything. Any chronic physical or mental health conditions that emerge could impact your compensation. 

3. Know the Deadlines

When you’re trying to recover after an accident, it’s easy to overlook routines and deadlines. For your car accident claim, however, you’ll need to stay on top of things. If you don’t file a claim by the indicated deadline, you could miss out on compensation for you and your child. 

Be clear on the types of coverage you have through your insurance provider, as you may be able to tap into personal injury protection to help with costs. 

Reach out to your provider and the one connected to the other driver – and do this quickly after the accident occurs. That way, you’ll be able to know the deadline by which you must officially file a claim and have your documents, like medical records, ready to submit.

4. Reach Out to a Mental Health Provider

Children may not have the language skills or confidence to express what they’re feeling after a car accident. Even if you have a strong relationship with your child, they could feel embarrassed or unable to communicate the depth of their anxiety. Some children may outwardly seem fine even when their mental health is suffering. 

Be on the lookout for mood changes or fears related to driving that could suggest there are deeper problems. If there’s any concern, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed therapist. 

They will have the unique skill set to determine how the accident is impacting your child and potentially work with them for ongoing treatment. Know that these therapy sessions can be part of your claims report, too. 

5. Work with a Reputable Attorney

Understand that it often pays to have legal help guiding you through the claims process. The process is loaded with confusing legal and insurance jargon, and you may not have the mental clarity to tackle all the details. A seasoned auto accident attorney in Denver, for example, will know the intricacies of the claims process in that city to position your case for a better outcome. 

Experienced attorneys also will know how to navigate negotiations and, if needed, represent you in the courts. Find an attorney with an established record of success, particularly in cases involving children. 

Meet with them for a consultation first to evaluate their communication style to be sure it aligns with your preferences. With the right attorney, you may stand to receive better compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages.

Protect Your Children After an Accident

Even when you’re shaken up following an accident, you’ll need to gather your composure on behalf of your child. Be attentive to your child’s physical health, but take time to assess their mental health and seek help as needed. 

Gather detailed pictures and documents to paint a picture of the accident for your insurance company. Ultimately, working with a strong attorney can make the claims process less daunting so you can focus your attention on helping your child recover.