Insurance Question
Last week, I was involved in a T-bone accident at an intersection where the other driver ran a stop sign, resulting in a citation for them—completely not my fault. My car is totaled because the impact was directly to my driver’s side door, with my 8-year-old child sitting right behind me. Thankfully, the airbags deployed.
My main concern now is the bodily injury claims for both myself and my child. Although we didn’t suffer major injuries, I did experience swelling in my left arm, as well as pain in my neck and lower left hip due to the impact. My child also felt the force of the crash, complaining of pain in her left arm, hip, and rib.
I went to the ER about an hour after the accident—though I didn’t take an ambulance since I was too shaken up. The doctor performed an X-ray on me but opted not to do one on my child, citing concerns about limiting radiation exposure to kids. He assured me that her bones didn’t appear broken but prescribed painkillers and mentioned she could expect significant discomfort for at least a couple of days post-accident.
Fast forward over a week, and the pain has persisted for both of us. She missed school last week and saw her private doctor two days later, who suggested getting an X-ray if the pain continues. She’s been feeling anxious about being in the car and has been vocal about fears surrounding death—clearly showing signs of psychological impact from the incident. The doctor even recommended she see a mental health therapist, which I’m hesitant about for a child her age.
I haven’t filed a bodily injury claim with the other driver’s insurance yet, as I’m still in the process of settling my totaled car situation. I haven’t hired a lawyer either, figuring that may not be necessary since neither of us faced hospitalization or permanent injuries. I’m just grateful we’re okay, as it could have been much worse.
However, I’m apprehensive about settling too soon, given my child’s young age and the uncertainty of any long-term complications. I want to ensure that she gets the best treatment for her pain and any potential issues that could arise from this accident.
I haven’t even begun to address my own pain, as my focus is primarily on her well-being.
So, has anyone experienced a similar situation? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident and the challenges you and your child are facing. It’s completely understandable to be concerned about the physical and emotional impacts on both of you. Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Even if you think you may not need one right now, speaking with a personal injury attorney can give you valuable insights into your rights and options. They can help you evaluate the situation, especially regarding potential future complications for your child. Many attorneys offer free consultations, which might help you determine if you need representation.
Document Everything: Keep track of all medical records, treatments, and any school absences related to the accident. This documentation is crucial when filing a bodily injury claim and can help support your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
Seek Medical Attention for Your Child: If her pain persists, it’s important to follow through with the recommended X-ray and any other evaluations. Even if her initial assessment didn’t show serious injury, conditions can change, and you want to ensure she gets the care she needs.
Consider Mental Health Support: It’s understandable to be hesitant about therapy for such a young child, but sometimes talking to a child psychologist can help address trauma in a constructive way. They have experience dealing with young children and can provide coping strategies that could support her emotionally.
Don’t Rush the Settlement: Be cautious about settling too quickly, especially if you feel there could be long-term effects for either of you. Discussing this with an attorney can help you determine a fair amount that accounts for both current and future needs.
Communicate Openly: Keep lines of communication open with your child about her feelings and fears. Let her know it’s okay to talk about her concerns, and reassure her that it’s safe to ride in a car again. Sometimes, gradual exposure to the situation with supportive conversation can help ease anxiety.
Follow Up on Your Own Health: Don’t neglect your own physical recovery. Consider following up with a healthcare provider to address your pain and any lingering issues.
Ultimately, prioritizing your child’s well-being and ensuring that you both receive the appropriate medical and emotional support is key. Wishing you both a smooth recovery and reminder to take care of yourselves.