Car accidents involving children are traumatic events that can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. And, very unfortunately, they are not an uncommon occurrence. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), just shy of 163,000 children were injured in car accidents in the U.S. in 2021 alone.
When collisions that injure children occur, their parents usually need to navigate the potentially overwhelming process of seeking both justice and compensation for their child’s injuries. Thankfully, that doesn’t always mean that a contentious court battle must play out. Instead, mediation can serve as an alternative to traditional litigation in many cases.
Why consider mediation?
One of the primary benefits of mediation is the potential for a faster resolution than can be achieved via litigation. Traditional litigation can be lengthy, often taking months or even years to conclude. Mediation, on the other hand, can minimize the amount of time that the parents of injured children spend fighting for what they are rightfully owed. By working directly with their legal team and a neutral mediator, parents can negotiate a settlement more quickly, allowing them to focus more of their energy on their child’s recovery rather than prolonged legal battles.
Additionally, court cases are typically public, meaning that the details of an accident and a child’s injuries can become part of the public record. Mediation sessions, however, are private and confidential. For parents who want to protect their child’s privacy and avoid the publicity that can accompany a court case, mediation can be a particularly attractive opportunity.
With all of this said, it’s important to understand that not every collision-related case is resolved fairly and effectively via mediation. But, for many families, this option is a preferable approach to seeking compensation when compared with litigation.