We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Although most of the accidents which occur in the workplace or on the roads affect adults who are going about their daily lives, a significant number of accident injury claims are made on behalf of children.
Young people are often unaware of situations which pose risk to them and can unwittingly put themselves in danger, so adults in any kind of supervisory role in their lives have an even greater responsibility of care for this vulnerable section of society than for cognisant people.
This can apply when travelling as a passenger in a private vehicle or public transport. An adult will understand about wearing a seat belt to prevent serious injury and probably will be able to react quickly if they foresee a situation such as a potential car crash developing.
A child may be old enough and sufficiently sensible to fasten a harness on a car seat but it is up to an adult to check it is completely secure and fit for purpose. The driver is legally, as well as morally, responsible for the belt being worn in a safe and correct manner.
The use of belts and specially-designed child seats has dramatically reduced the incidence of death and serious injury to children travelling in cars, but there is still some concern over safety when travelling by bus or coach.
Going to and from school either on a regular bus service or a chartered coach is a trip undertaken by many teenagers, most of whom will not have their personal safety in mind when on the journey and this is a particularly difficult situation with regards to supervision by an adult.
Although the driver of the public service vehicle will do his or her best to ensure youngsters wear the belts provided on school coaches and, often, notices are visible to remind children and adults of the need to be sensible, unless other adults are also on board to keep control, the pupils are quite likely to either not use the belts or undo them.
On scheduled services, belts are not provided so passengers have to look after their own safety and take action such as holding tight if standing or sitting still while the bus is moving.
Even if a young passenger who is involved in a road traffic accident has contributed to their suffering through their own actions or neglect in taking safety measures, a court deciding on the justification for awarding compensation is likely to take the person's age into account and put greater responsibility on any adults involved.
The parents or other legal guardian of a minor can pursue a damages case on behalf of the youngster but any sum of money awarded will belong to the claimant and must be invested for him or her until the age of 18.
YouClaim solicitors for accident injury claim
When a young person has been hurt in any type of accident, there will be practical as well as emotional matters for the family to resolve, including the need for legal advice if a claim is being considered.
Here at YouClaim, you can be sure of receiving not only first class professional attention from our personal injury law team but that it will be delivered with sympathy and sensitivity to your situation.
Wherever you live in the UK, you will receive the same high standard of service, as monitored by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and, thanks to the internet, it is available at the click of a mouse, meaning you don't have to travel to a high street office for consultations.
To take the first steps in making an accident injury claim for yourself or a member of your family, you can complete the online claim form on this page or call us on 0800 10 757 95.
