A vehicle striking your child during the walk to school can force you to make urgent decisions while managing concerns about injuries. Knowing which records matter can help you support your child’s recovery and document the crash.
Start with medical care and accident records
Because some symptoms may develop later, seek prompt medical attention even when an injury initially seems minor. When it is safe, you or another trusted adult can also:
- Report the crash to police and obtain the driver’s contact and insurance information.
- Record witnesses, crossing guards or school employees and photograph the crosswalk, signals and school-zone signs.
- Check for bus, business or home camera footage and retain medical records, bills and missed-school notes.
These records may help establish how the crash caused your child’s injuries and losses.
How Connecticut’s shared-fault rule affects compensation
Under Connecticut’s shared-fault rule, your child may receive compensation if found 50% or less responsible, although the amount decreases according to that percentage. A finding of 51% or more responsibility prevents compensation. Courts may compare your child’s conduct with that of a reasonably careful child of a similar age, intelligence and experience.
Understand the filing and notice deadlines
Connecticut law generally requires you to file an injury lawsuit within two years and bars claims filed more than three years after the conduct that caused the injury. Earlier notice may apply if a damaged public road or sidewalk contributed to the crash or a city or town employee caused it while working. Certain road-defect claims require notice within 90 days, while some municipal employee claims require notice within six months.
Preserve evidence while your child recovers
Your child’s treatment may continue while evidence disappears and notice periods expire. Gather records and identify whether a government vehicle or road condition contributed. An attorney can review the facts and deadlines while you focus on your child’s care.
