Accidents Involving Minors

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Durham Car Accidents Involving Minors Attorney

If you’ve ever been injured by the negligence of another, you likely know firsthand how long and stressful the road to recovery can be. Those hardships can even be magnified if your child has been harmed in an accident as well. When it comes to securing compensation for a minor child, the road to recovery may seem confusing or overwhelming to navigate. However, this section of the website is dedicated to assisting individuals seeking compensation for their minor children in North Carolina after a car accident.

Call us now for a free, no-obligation consultation at (919) 887-7892, or contact us online.

In North Carolina, the law states that a minor child lacks the capacity or ability to sue or be sued. As such, a minor child can sue for their injuries by means of a legal guardian, also known as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). When a person is injured by the negligence of another, North Carolina law entitles that person to recovery for their injuries, and the same is true when the injured person is a minor child.

Car Accident Claims Involving Minors

When a child is injured in a North Carolina car accident due to someone else’s negligence, two separate claims arise under North Carolina law. The first claim, which may be brought by the parents or guardian of the child, is for recovery of medical expenses related to treatment of the minor’s injuries. If necessary, these expenses can be recovered through a lawsuit filed in the parent’s own name.

The second claim, which belongs to the child, may be brought in court through the child’s Guardian ad Litem. The Guardian ad Litem is appointed by the court for the purpose of protecting the interests of the child and ensuring fairness of any settlement for the child. The Guardian ad Litem is required to be a disinterested third party approved by the court, however, the Guardian ad Litem is most commonly an attorney or family member.

Because minor children are not considered by the law to be capable of making their own decisions, no minor settlement is final unless it has been approved by a judge.

Because minor children are not considered by the law to be capable of making their own decisions, no minor settlement is final unless it has been approved by a judge. It is worth noting that it is common for insurance companies to settle a personal injury claim involving a minor by simply giving the settlement check to the parents and avoiding judicial approval altogether. However, if the parties to a minor settlement fail to seek judicial approval of a settlement, the minor may not be bound by the terms of the unapproved settlement upon reaching the majority age of 18 years old.

Regardless, most insurance companies will usually push for, and require, judicial approval of any minor settlement if the injury that the minor child sustained is significant. This means that most insurance companies will require a minor settlement if the amount is over three thousand or four thousand dollars.

While settling a minor’s claim is a fairly straightforward process, there are a lot of distinct issues that need to be addressed, especially in cases of serious or debilitating bodily injury. However, so long as you are diligent and attentive to the details of the claim, it is possible to undertake the process with limited attorney interaction, should you so desire.

What is the Insurance Claim Process?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may wish to consider approaching the at-fault party’s insurance company to negotiate your claim as opposed to filing a lawsuit against the insurance company for damages. Insurance companies will often review your claim and make an early offer to avoid going to court. These offers, however, are often lower than the injured party is willing to accept.

If the insurance company, after evaluating your claim and case, determines that the likely outcome of the litigation would be unfavorable to their own interests, it is often the case that the insurance company will make an offer to negotiate a settlement that is beneficial and agreeable to both parties.

Call us now for a free, no-obligation consultation at (919) 887-7892, or contact us online.

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

  • I want to brag about my experience!

    “When my 4-year old son and I were involved in a terrible head-on collision, I wasn't sure where to turn. Wallace Pierce has been great showing me the way!”

    - Mary P.
  • Richard Dingus is a great attorney!

    “Richard Dingus is a great attorney! And I think thee best, serving in the state of North Carolina. I would recommend him for injury and bodily claim any day.”

    - Isaac B.
  • Thank you again for all you did for my family

    “They were concerned not only about getting our vehicle replaced, but more importantly my kid’s full recovery.”

    - Coral M.
  • I was completely shocked at the amount I received

    “I retained this law firm to fight my case. I was completely shocked at the amount I received once the case was won.”

    - Schjuana S.
  • They went above and beyond for me!

    “Mr. Pierce gave me practical advice and was very thorough in guiding me through the process. I left with a strong and positive impression of him.”

    - Audria L.
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Settlement & Verdicts

  • $1,900,000 Wrongful Death
  • $900,000 Wrongful Death

    Our client was thrown from his motorcycle and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

  • $122,000 Car Accident

    Vehicle made a left-hand turn, failing to yield the right of way.

  • $104,000 Severe Injury

    We were able to not only receive policy limits for our client but were able to negotiate her medical bills and liens to ensure that she was able to keep a good portion of the settlement.

  • $104,000 Serious Injuries

    Client was a passenger in a vehicle that was driving through an intersection when another vehicle ran a stop sign and t-boned the vehicle our client was in.

  • $102,000 Serious Injuries

    Elderly client was a passenger in a vehicle that was t-boned in an intersection where a driver failed to yield the right of way.

  • $68,712 Back Injury

    Our client suffered a rare injury that is not typically seen with the mechanics of the accident and the minimal rate of speed.

  • $61,000 Serious Injuries

    Rear-end collision where our client was pushed off the road and came to rest after colliding with several trees.

  • $55,000 Personal Injury

    Due to our client’s age and health prior to the accident, the insurance company tried to fight several of the damages in which our client was entitled.

  • $52,000 Serious Injuries

    Our client suffered injuries resulting in a visit to the hospital and a chiropractor.

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