When Outdoor Play Turns Dangerous: Holding Careless Drivers Accountable

What Negligent Driving Behaviors Put Children at Risk?

When drivers are careless behind the wheel, children are at a much greater risk of getting hurt. Some of the most common dangerous driver behaviors include:

• Back-over incidents in driveways or parking lots occur when drivers do not take a moment to look in the rear-view mirror or watch the car’s back-up camera before putting the vehicle in reverse.
• Distracted driving such as texting, eating, changing music, or scrolling social media while behind the wheel. Even a quick moment of taking eyes off the road can be catastrophic.
• Failure to yield at crosswalks or stop signs, especially in school zones or near playgrounds and sports fields.
• Speeding through residential areas, especially when there are no sidewalks or safe crosswalks.

How Can Texas Families Hold Negligent Drivers Responsible for Harming a Child?

Parents of Texas children can take legal action against a negligent driver to hold them accountable after harming a child. In Texas, the deadline to file a lawsuit, also known as the statute of limitations, is two years from the date of the incident.

Taking legal action can help your family recover damages, including:

• Loss of enjoyment of life if the child can no longer do things they did prior to the incident
• Medical costs for current and ongoing treatments
• Out-of-pocket expenses following the incident
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy

Gathering thorough documentation can significantly strengthen your family’s legal case. Medical records from your child’s emergency treatment provide critical evidence of the injuries caused by the collision. A police report, including statements from both parties and any witnesses, offers an official account of what happened. Photos or videos of the crash scene and your child’s injuries can also be powerful proof. In some instances, neighbors’ doorbell cameras or other digital recordings may capture the negligent driver’s actions. This evidence can be invaluable in holding a negligent driver accountable.

In the tragic event that a child is killed by a negligent driver, parents can file a wrongful death of a child lawsuit. While this step will not erase what happened, taking action can save the lives of other children by deterring drivers from acting carelessly behind the wheel. Escalating an incident is also a way to keep making local communities safer in your child’s honor.

How Can The Button Law Firm Help My Child After a Pedestrian Incident? 

Our team of child injury lawyers understands how devastating it is when a child is harmed because of someone else's careless driving. We believe that families don’t just need help with legal claims. They need someone who listens, advocates fiercely, and fights for a life-changing result.

With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, our team works on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. We are ready to listen and can advise you on the best path to help your family move forward. Call us at 214-699-4409, email us at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or fill out a contact form for a free case evaluation.