What to Do When Your Child Is Injured by a Drunk Driver
No one ever wants to picture their child in a hospital gown or suffering. Yet, life likes to throw us curveballs, and you may just be unlucky enough to land in the path of a drunk driver.
If your vehicle gets hit by a drunk driver and your child gets injured in the process, first of all, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out right this second. The most important thing is your child’s health and your own peace of mind.
This guide is here to walk you through the practical next steps to take, from medical attention to legal action. This way, if the day comes and you draw the short straw, you’ll know what to do.
But before we dive into the horror of seeing your child hurt, remember that you’re stronger than you think, and we’ve got your back.
Now, let’s start with the steps.
1. Prioritize Your Child’s Health
The first thing you have to do after you gain your senses and you notice your baby’s injury is to call emergency services (911 in the US). Even if their injuries seem minor (a bump here, a scrape there), don’t play the “they’re fine” game. Kids are tough cookies, but hidden injuries like concussions or internal bruising don’t play fair.
Once you’re at the hospital, make sure the doctors run a thorough checkup on your kid and yourself. In the adrenaline rush right after the accident, you may ignore pains, scrapes, or other minor injuries on yourself, but once you get to the ER, there’s no reason to tough it out.
If you find yourself with free time on your hands (while waiting for your child’s examination to complete), get your phone out and write down your experiences up until that point. The accident is fresh in your memory, so write every little detail you can remember.
Also, write the doctor’s name, tests done, medications prescribed, and any follow-up appointments. These details are gold for insurance claims or legal steps down the road.
2. Call the Authorities
After an accident, especially one involving a drunk driver, things can feel like a whirlwind. But no matter how chaotic it feels at the moment, calling the police (or cooperating with them if they’re already there) is a critical step you don’t want to skip.
Even if the injuries seem minor or someone insists on “let’s just handle this privately,” don’t. A formal police report is a key piece of evidence if you decide to pursue legal action, file insurance claims, or even just figure out what happened.
3. Reach Out to a Lawyer Who Specializes in Personal Injury
Calling a lawyer might feel a little intimidating, but if a drunk driver has injured your child, you need legal support. It’s one of the most powerful steps you can take.
Look for a local personal injury lawyer who’s experienced in drunk driving cases (especially those involving minors). For instance, a DUI injury attorney in Wichita is your best option for getting justice, as they can help you:
Navigate confusing insurance processes.
Handle the paperwork, you don’t have time for it.
Make sure your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs are properly considered.
Include the added load on your emotional health as a parent of an injured child.
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis. So you don’t have to worry about adding another bill to the pile right now.
Wrap Up
You didn’t choose this situation, but you can choose how you respond. By taking the right steps, you’re protecting your child’s well-being now and for the future. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed; just keep moving forward, one action at a time.
Healing takes time, so once the danger has passed, lean on your village (friends, family, or online mom tribes) for support and comfort.
