CSM | January 15, 2026 | Car Accidents
Car accidents involving children are every parent’s worst nightmare. When your child is injured, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take. This article provides clear guidance for parents in San Diego, California. You’ll learn how to handle the immediate aftermath, protect your child’s health, and preserve your legal rights.
Check on Your Child’s Condition
Immediately after an accident, assess your child’s condition. If your child appears severely injured, unconscious, or complains of neck or back pain, avoid moving them. Moving a child with a potential head, neck, or spine injury could worsen their condition. Wait for emergency responders to arrive.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your child seems fine, seek medical care right away. Injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft‑tissue damage may not be apparent immediately. A doctor can diagnose hidden injuries and create an official medical record, which is important for both your child’s health and any insurance claim.
Consult Your Auto Insurance and Gather Documentation
After your child receives medical care, contact your auto insurance company to report the accident. Provide details about the crash and your child’s injuries. Insurers often require documentation such as medical records and accident reports, so make sure to collect these documents from the doctor and police.
Remember that California is a fault state, meaning the other driver’s insurance may be responsible for covering your child’s damages.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Navigating a car accident claim can be complex, especially when it involves injuries to a child. An experienced San Diego personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.
Having legal representation allows you to focus on your child’s recovery while your attorney handles the legal details.
Monitor Your Child’s Condition
Children’s injuries may evolve over time. Watch for delayed symptoms like persistent headaches, trouble concentrating, mood changes, or increased pain. Keep a record of any new or worsening symptoms and follow up with the doctor as needed. Documenting these changes can be crucial if you need to adjust your claim.
Emotional Support and Counseling
Car accidents can cause psychological trauma for children. Your child may experience nightmares, anxiety, or fear of riding in vehicles. Consider seeking counseling or therapy to help your child process their emotions and recover psychologically. Providing emotional support at home is equally important—listen to their concerns and reassure them that they are safe.
Preventive Measures and Safe Driving
Protecting children on the road starts with using appropriate car seats and seat belts. Ensure that your child’s seat meets current safety standards and is correctly installed. Teach older children about seat belt use and the importance of staying calm and seated during car rides. Defensive driving, avoiding distractions, and obeying traffic laws can also reduce the risk of accidents.
Contact Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
When your child is hurt in a car accident, taking swift action can protect their health and your legal rights. Check on your child’s condition, seek medical care, contact your insurance company, consult an attorney, and monitor your child’s health in the weeks following the accident.
If you’re in San Diego, contacting a local attorney can ensure you navigate California’s fault‑based insurance system effectively and secure the compensation your child needs for recovery. Reach out to Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve San Diego, San Diego County, and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
