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No parent ever wants to imagine their child being hit by a car. The truth is that child pedestrian accidents happen more often than many people think, especially in busy neighborhoods and school zones. When a child is hurt this way, families are left dealing with medical bills, pain, and fear about what comes next. Understanding your rights can help you make choices that protect your child’s future.
Why Children Deserve Extra Care
Drivers have a duty to watch out for everyone on the road, but the law often holds drivers to a higher standard when children are involved. Kids do not always act the way adults do. They might run out into the street to chase a ball, cross where they are not supposed to, or not look both ways. Because of this, drivers are expected to stay alert and slow down in areas where children are likely to be, such as neighborhoods, parks, and school zones.
If a driver knows kids might be nearby, they should drive in a way that allows them to stop quickly if needed. Failing to do so can make them responsible if a child gets hurt. For example, a driver speeding or texting behind the wheel when going through a neighborhood where children are present is putting those children in danger.
What Makes School Zones Different
School zones are treated with extra caution under the law. These areas have lower speed limits and clear signs to remind drivers to slow down when kids are arriving or leaving school. Many school zones also have crossing guards to help kids safely get across the street.
If a driver ignores these rules and hits a child, the fact that they were in a school zone can make a big difference in a legal case. It shows the driver failed to follow clear warnings to protect young pedestrians. Some states, including Mississippi, have extra penalties for drivers who break traffic laws in school zones.
Parents can also help protect children by teaching them safe habits and encouraging them to use crosswalks and sidewalks. But when drivers break the law, it is not the child’s fault. Kids are not held to the same level of care as adults because they do not always “know better.”
Understanding Potential Compensation
When a child is hurt in a pedestrian accident, the family may face huge costs. Medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if the injuries are serious. Some children may need surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care. Beyond the physical injuries, there is the emotional toll, that is, the fear and anxiety that can come with this type of traumatic event.
Families may be able to seek compensation for these costs. This can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in some cases, loss of future income if the injury causes lasting harm. In the worst cases, where a child loses their life, parents may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This cannot bring a child back, but it can help cover funeral costs and other losses so families are not left with financial struggles.
Stay Aware in North Mississippi Communities
In North Mississippi, more cars on the roads mean families need to stay extra cautious. Drivers need to remember that children are often unpredictable and can appear out of nowhere. School zones and neighborhoods must be treated with care every single day.
Parents can help by reminding children to look both ways, use sidewalks, and pay attention to crossing signals. But when a driver fails to watch out for young pedestrians, the responsibility lies with the person behind the wheel.
Contact Our North Mississippi Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
If your child is hurt in a pedestrian accident, Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman PLLC is here to stand by your side. Our team helps families in Southaven and Hernando, and across North Mississippi get the answers and support they need. Call us today for a free consultation so we can help protect your child’s future.
