My Children Were Hurt in a Redlands Car Crash: Can I Sue?
Over the past few weeks, numerous children have been harmed in Redlands car crashes – prompting many parents to wonder whether they can sue. Children are perhaps the most innocent victims in car crashes. Unlike adults, they do not consent to riding as passengers – and they do not understand the safety risks associated with driving. They are completely at the mercy of the adults on the road, and all too often, they suffer unnecessary injuries at the hands of negligent drivers.
If your child has been injured in a Redlands car crash, you may want to explore your legal options at an auto accident law firm. Experienced auto accident lawyers can help you determine whether a lawsuit might be possible, and they can guide you toward justice and compensation. Milligan Beswick Levine & Knox, LLP has been helping families in Redlands for many years, and we are committed to holding negligent motorists accountable. C. Patrick Milligan is our managing partner, a Stanford Law School graduate, and an auto accident attorney who approaches each case with a wealth of experience.
Three Children Injured After Police Chase Involving Stolen Vehicle
In November of 2024, it was reported that three children had been injured after a collision involving a stolen vehicle in San Bernardino. The accident occurred at night when deputies were pursuing a suspect at high speed. The driver of the stolen vehicle “refused to yield” during the chase, eventually striking a vehicle occupied by the three children.
All three children were hospitalized as a result of the impact, though their injuries were reportedly non-life-threatening. There was no word on whether the suspect was apprehended after the collision, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
One has to wonder whether partial fault lies with the deputies for initiating the pursuit. In many states, cities have strict “pursuit policies” that prevent law enforcement from chasing suspects in many situations. This sometimes leads to personal injury lawsuits against police departments for causing unnecessary injuries.
Deputy Pulls Child Out of Vehicle Moments Before Train Impact
Another incident in November almost ended in tragedy, with a child narrowly escaping what would have been a fatal collision with a train. A deputy in Redlands arrived on the scene to find a vehicle stuck on the train tracks. When the mother exited the car with one of her children, the deputy assumed that everyone was clear of the approaching train. However, the mother doubled back to retrieve a second child.
It was at this point that the deputy rushed in and retrieved the second child from the vehicle. Moments later, the train impacted the car and completely destroyed it. Everyone managed to get clear, but it would have been a different story if they had been a few seconds slower.
Two Teenagers Killed in Suspected DUI Crash
November also saw a tragic car accident involving numerous teens in Riverside. This crash killed two teenagers and injured a third on Saturday morning, and paramedics arrived to find one vehicle on fire. Although first responders rapidly extinguished the flames, the two occupants inside were clearly deceased when the inferno faded.
Police say that a gray sedan was traveling “at a high rate of speed” before it ran a red light. A second vehicle proceeded through the intersection on a green light before impacting the sedan. After the collision, the sedan struck a cement barrier, a pole, and finally, a tree before coming to a halt. It was at this point that the vehicle burst into flames, killing two teens inside. A third teen occupant managed to survive but suffered serious injuries.
The driver of the other vehicle was not harmed. Police say that alcohol and excessive speed likely contributed to the accident. This is a common issue with teen drivers, and this incident highlights how dangerous this behavior can be.
Legal Options for Parents With Children Injured in Car Accidents
California is an at-fault state, which means that you can file a lawsuit if you suffer injuries in a car accident. That being said, minors cannot file lawsuits on their own, and their parents usually sue on their behalf. In order to file a lawsuit, you must show that someone else contributed to your children’s injuries in some way. In other words, you must establish negligence.
Negligence can lead to a child’s injuries in various ways. Perhaps the most obvious example is a reckless driver with minor passengers. This might be an intoxicated parent. If your ex caused your children to suffer injuries due to their reckless driving, you may be able to sue them. Alternatively, a different adult might have been driving your children – such as a sports coach, babysitter, or a parent of your child’s best friend.
Many children suffer injuries due to the negligence of other minor drivers. For example, your teen daughter might have been injured while riding as a passenger in her friend’s vehicle. If her friend was speeding or intoxicated at the time of the crash, it may be possible to sue. Of course, the average teen does not have access to much wealth – and it may make more sense to sue their parents instead. This may be possible in various situations.
Your child might also suffer injuries due to the driver of a different vehicle. These types of lawsuits are generally more straightforward, and it should be easy to recover compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages.
Contact an Established Auto Accident Law Firm in Redlands Today
There are few things more worrying for a parent than to see their child injured in a car crash. But while this incident might have caused considerable stress, you shouldn’t let yourself become paralyzed by shock. Decisive legal action alongside auto accident lawyers could be vital as you pursue fair compensation for your various damages. These might include your child’s medical bills, their emotional distress, and much more. To learn more about the next steps, contact Milligan Beswick Levine & Knox, LLP at 909-894-0812 – and get started with our experienced auto accident attorneys today.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.