If your child has been injured in a road traffic accident, it’s more than just a moment of panic, it’s every parent’s worst nightmare. The worry, the confusion, the hospital visits, it all adds up quickly. While your priority is, of course, your child’s recovery, you also deserve to know your rights, especially when it comes to children’s accident claims.
At Claim Time Solicitors, we understand how emotionally and legally overwhelming this time can be. That’s why we’re here, not with confusing legal jargon, but with real, practical guidance. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making a children’s accident claims after a road traffic accident in the UK.
Because when your child has been hurt through no fault of their own, getting justice shouldn’t feel like another uphill battle.
The Alarming Reality: Children and Road Traffic Accidents in the UK
Let’s face it, nothing shakes a parent to the core quite like hearing their child has been in a road traffic accident. Sadly, this is a reality many UK families have had to face.
According to the Department for Transport (DFT), more than 4000 children aged 0-15 were seriously injured in road traffic accidents across the UK in 2022. Even more heartbreaking, 49 children lost their lives. These aren’t just numbers; they represent childhoods cut short and families left picking up the pieces.
In 2022, there were 115 reported child pedestrian casualties in the UK, an increase from 95 in 2021.
In 2023, there were 140,962 reported road casualties of all severities in the UK, including 1,695 fatalities and 28,967 serious injuries.
Between 2013 and 2017, a total of 4,090 individuals aged 17-19 were killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents in Great Britain.
Children are some of the most vulnerable road users. Whether they’re walking to school, riding their bikes, or sitting quietly in the backseat, the danger is real, and it’s everywhere. That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what to do next if your child is involved in an accident.
Understanding your rights and how Children’s Accident Claims work can make all the difference. With the right support, you can focus on what matters most, helping your child heal, while professionals like us handle the legal side.
What is a children’s accident claim?
When your child gets hurt in a road traffic accident, the last thing on your mind is paperwork or legal jargon. But here’s the thing: if someone else was at fault, your child has the right to compensation. And that’s where a children’s accident claim comes in.
Think of it like this: it’s a legal way for you (as a parent or guardian) to stand up for your child, making sure they get the support they need, not just now, but for the future too.
Here’s what a claim can help cover:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation because children deserve the best care to bounce back.
- Emotional trauma: Accidents are scary, especially for little ones.
- Loss of enjoyment: Missed birthday parties, holidays, or even just playtime.
- Long-term impact: Injuries that may affect their education, confidence, or future work opportunities.
Since children under 18 can’t make legal decisions, you’ll act as their ‘litigation friend’, don’t worry, it just means you represent their best interests and guide the claim on their behalf.
At Claim Time Solicitors, we make the process simple, stress-free, and fully focused on your child’s recovery and future.
What kind of road traffic accidents involve children?
Kids are adventurous, energetic, and always on the move, which, unfortunately, means they’re also more vulnerable to accidents on the road. Whether they’re walking, riding, or just sitting in the back seat, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
- Pedestrian accidents: Children crossing the road or walking near traffic are at risk of being hit by a car, especially during the busy school run hours.
- Cycling accidents: Riding a bike should be fun, but it can turn dangerous fast when cars don’t pay attention.
- Passenger accidents: Sometimes kids get injured while simply being passengers in a car, even if they’re buckled up.
- School transport accidents: Buses and coaches are generally safe, but accidents can and do happen, especially during drop-offs and pick-ups.
No matter how the accident happened, one thing stays the same: your child deserves justice and support. That’s where expert road traffic accident solicitors like us come in. We handle the legal side so you can focus on helping your child heal.
Here are the most common types of road traffic accidents involving children:
What to do if your child’s been in an accident?
First things first, if your child’s been in an accident, take a deep breath. It’s scary, yes, but there’s a clear path forward, and you don’t have to walk alone.
Here’s a quick and simple guide to help you take the right steps:
- Get medical help straight away:
Even if injuries seem minor, always get them checked. Safety first, always. - Report it to the police:
If the accident caused serious injuries, this step is a must. The police will file an official report, which will also help with your claim later. - Gather evidence:
Snap some photos of the scene, grab any dashcam footage, and collect names and numbers of witnesses. These little details can go a long way. - Keep medical records & receipts:
From hospital visits to travel costs, keep everything. It all helps show how the accident has impacted your child’s life ( and your wallet). - Speak to a personal injury solicitor:
Don’t go through it alone; reach out to us, as we know exactly how to handle complex road traffic accident claims involving children.
At this point, the official Road Traffic Accident Investigation Procedure in the UK kicks in. That means police reports, possibly accident reconstructions, and speaking to witnesses, all designed to get to the bottom of what happened and who’s at fault.
It’s a lot, but you’ve got this, and with the right legal support, you can make sure your child gets the care and compensation they deserve.
Why Choose Claim Time Solicitors?
Because when your child’s been hurt, and you don’t need more stress, you need solutions.
At Claim Time Solicitors, we make children’s accident claims simple, supportive, and stress-free. Here’s what makes us the go-to team for families across the UK.
- No win, no-fee: If we don’t win, you don’t pay. It’s that simple.
- Expert road traffic accident solicitors: We live and breathe these cases, so you don’t have to Google your way through the legal maze.
- Friendly, straight-talking advice: No stuffy suits or confusing legal speak. Just real people helping real families.
- Child-focused legal support: We have a dedicated team that only handles cases involving children, because they deserve nothing less.
Our mission is to handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on hugs, healing, and your child’s happiness.
Curious what your child’s claim could be worth?
Wondering how much compensation you could claim for your child’s accident? We’ve got just the thing for that.
Try our children’s accident compensation claims calculator, it gives you a rough estimate in minutes, based on things like:
- Injury severity
- Medical expenses
- Emotional distress
- Future care and support needs
It’s quick, it’s free, and it’s a great starting point.
But here’s the deal: while the calculator gives you a ballpark figure, nothing beats real advice from real experts. That’s where our friendly team at Claim Time Solicitors steps in. We’ll walk through the details and make sure no part of your child’s story is overlooked.
What could your child’s road traffic accident claim be worth?
Let’s talk numbers, because we know what’s on your mind.
The value of a child’s road traffic accident claim can vary a lot, depending on how serious the injuries are. But to give you a rough idea:
Minor injuries – Around £1,000 to £3,000
Broken bones – Between £5,000 and £15,000
Head injuries – Often £20,000+ and upwards depending on long-term impact
But here’s the thing, it’s not just about the physical injury. Compensation can also cover emotional trauma, future care, missed education, and long-term recovery needs. Every child is different, and so is every claim.
That’s why it’s best to get expert guidance from us. We look beyond the numbers and focus on what truly matters: your child’s full recovery and future.
How long do you have to make a claim?
Good news, when it comes to children’s accident claims, you’ve got time.
Legally, you have until your child turns 21 to start a claim. That’s three years from their 18th birthday. So if your little one was injured when they were, say, 10 years old, you’ve got over a decade to take action.
But here’s the catch: the sooner you act, the better. Because fresher evidence, clearer memories, and quicker action can make your case much stronger.
Whether you’re ready now or just need advice, Claim Time Solicitors is here to guide you, no pressure, just friendly help when you need it.
Do you need a solicitor for a children’s road traffic accident claim?
Absolutely, and here’s what makes it worth it. A specialised road traffic accident solicitor isn’t just helpful, they’re your secret weapon. At Claim Time Solicitors, we take the stress off your plate and handle the legal stuff like pros so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
Here’s what we do for you:
- Sort all the paperwork and back-and-forth, so you don’t have to chase anyone around.
- Guide you through the full investigation process: From police reports to official evidence.
- Fight to get the maximum compensation your child deserves, no corner-cutting here.
You wouldn’t treat a serious injury without a doctor, so why handle a serious personal injury claim without a specialist? Let Claim Time Solicitors be in your corner. We’ve got your back.
Claiming compensation for a road traffic accident: step-by-step (no legal headaches here)
Making a children’s accident claim might sound daunting, but with claim time solicitors, it’s a smooth and stress-free journey. Here’s how it all works, step by step:
- Free chat with our friendly team: Start with a no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen, guide, and tell you exactly where you stand.
- We review your case: We’ll assess whether your claim has legs. (If you’re calling us, it probably does.)
- Appoint a ‘litigation friend’: Since children can’t legally claim themselves, a parent or guardian steps in to lead the charge, we’ll help you get set up.
- Gather the evidence: Think medical records, witness details, photos, police reports, we’ll help you collect everything needed to build a solid case.
- We handle the negotiations: Sit back and relax while we deal with insurers. We fight for every penny your child deserves.
- Court, if needed: Most cases settle out of court, but if we need to go to court, we’ve got your back every step of the way.
- Get that compensation: Once it’s all done, the compensation is either paid to the court and held in trust for your child or used right away for urgent needs, depending on the situation.
Ready to start your claim?
Children are life’s most precious passengers. So, when they get hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, it’s not just painful, it’s unfair. At Claim Time Solicitors, we’re not just legal experts, we’re allies for families. We fight for what’s right, and we make the process as simple, compassionate, and stress-free as possible.
Call 0800 970 2727 or book a free call-back online—fast, free, no obligation!
Your child deserves justice. Let’s make it happen.
