SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police report a teenager is in critical condition after being hit by a car on the city’s south side. According to a SAPD news release, the incident happened June 22 about 10 p.m. in the 6300 block of South Flores Street.
The news release states that the boy had run out onto the street, and was walking westward when he was hit by a black 2010 Ford Focus traveling south. Police said the nearest marked crosswalk was roughly 200 feet away.
The victim, whose name was withheld due to his age, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital. At last report, he was listed in critical condition.
SAPD states in its news release that the driver of the sedan did stop to render aid, and that no charges are expected to be filed. However, the investigation is ongoing, police said.
Personal injury claims for minors
Personal injury claims for minors differ from adult claims simply because minors are not legally able to sign contracts. When the need for a personal injury claim on behalf of a minor arises, the parties would file what’s called a “friendly suit.”
The parties in a friendly suit are the person accused of causing injury to the minor (usually represented by the insurance company) and the representatives of the minor (usually the parents). These lawsuits are required because a judge must approve personal injury settlements involving minors.
Judicial approval is needed because there are situations in which the interests of the parents do not align with the interests of the minor. The court handles this by appointing a “guardian ad litem.” This is a legal term for an attorney who is appointed to act in the best interests of and for the sole benefit of the minor who was injured.
Patience and expert legal advice are essential
As you might expect, personal injury claims on behalf of minors are often time-consuming and tedious. Investigations must be conducted. The child’s injuries must be thoroughly documented. A “prove-up hearing” must be conducted. The guardian ad litem and the judge must decide if they are in favor or against the proposed settlement.
Furthermore, a decision has to be made whether the settlement will be invested in an annuity or placed in a registry of the court until the minor becomes an adult.
All of this takes time and expertise to navigate, and the J. Gonzalez Law Firm is the team you want on your side to get you through it. We have the patience, knowledge and skills needed to ensure your child’s interests are kept front and center.
If you would like more information on personal injury claims involving minors, please contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.
Source: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/06/23/16-year-old-boy-hit-by-car-on-south-side-sapd-says/
