Experienced DuPage County Child Injury Accident Attorneys You Can Rely On

Last updated on September 3, 2025

Accidents involving children are never easy. Whether it’s a fender bender on the way to school or a more serious crash during a weekend outing, the aftermath can be distressing for any parent. Even minor injuries can lead to doctor visits, missed school and long-term concerns about your child’s health.

At The Crannell Law Group, LLC, our Illinois attorneys bring over 25 years of combined experience to your case. They use their extensive knowledge of personal injury law to represent families whose children have suffered injuries in car accidents. As members of the Naperville community themselves, they know the local roads and the legal system. They also understand the unique needs of children who are still growing and developing. Our child passenger accident attorneys have built their practice around supporting DuPage County families, offering clear guidance and strong legal advocacy.

Compensation You May Seek On Behalf Of Your Child

Because of their ongoing physical and cognitive development, children often require more intensive treatment and medical care after suffering injuries from a car accident. They also tend to suffer more severe long-term consequences.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may impact learning and behavior. Growth plate fractures can affect bone development and long-term mobility. They may also experience psychological trauma from the incident. Issues such as anxiety or PTSD may require long-term counseling.

Under Illinois law, parents may seek compensation for a range of damages, including:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Long-term care or educational support needs

Our child passenger attorneys’ goal is to fight for a settlement or verdict that truly addresses the extent of your child’s needs and recovery. They will work closely with pediatric doctors and other medical professionals to thoroughly evaluate your child’s injuries, as well as any future medical treatment.

Illinois Child Passenger Safety Laws And Parental Responsibility

In Illinois, parents and guardians need to follow certain safety rules when driving with kids in the car. The Child Passenger Protection Act states that:

• Kids under two years old should be in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh over 40 pounds or are taller than 40 inches.
• Kids under eight years old need a proper child safety seat, which could be a forward-facing seat with a harness or a booster seat, depending on the child’s size and the seat maker’s instructions.
• Booster seats must be used with both a lap and shoulder belt, not just a lap belt.

As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for:

• Using age- and size-appropriate car seats or booster seats
• Ensuring proper installation of all safety restraints, following both the car seat and vehicle manuals
• Registering car seats to receive recall notifications
• Having car seats inspected by certified technicians when possible

Even when parents do everything right regarding safety, accidents can still occur. While a correctly installed car seat can reduce the severity of injuries, it can’t completely remove the risks if another driver behaves carelessly. If you’re planning to file a claim, it’s important to keep evidence showing you followed safety guidelines. This includes photos of the car seat installation and records of regular safety checks. This information can support the case that your child’s injuries were due to someone else’s negligence.

Filing A Lawsuit On Behalf Of A Minor In Illinois

Minors cannot file personal injury claims on their own. Instead, a parent or legal guardian must act as the child’s representative to pursue compensation on their behalf.

Moreover, under Illinois law, a person may only file a personal injury lawsuit within two years after the date of the accident or injury. Minors are the exception. For them, the statute of limitations is “tolled” (paused) until the child turns 18. This means they typically have until their 20th birthday to file a claim.

However, it’s advisable to begin the legal process as soon as possible. This is because, over time, you may lose access to crucial evidence or witness statements. Filing a personal injury claim on behalf of a minor typically involves:

• Investigating and documenting the accident
• Filing the claim as the child’s legal representative
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Obtaining court approval for any settlement
• Establishing a protected account or trust for the child’s settlement funds

If your child was injured while riding in a vehicle driven by a teen or another minor, liability can become more complex. These cases may involve the minor driver’s parents or guardians under Illinois’s parental responsibility laws, depending on the circumstances.

Regardless of who was at fault, the court must approve any settlement involving a minor. This ensures the compensation is fair and benefits the child. Courts usually require the amount to be placed in a special account or structured settlement until the child becomes an adult.

Support You Can Trust: Call Us Today

You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The child passenger accident attorneys at The Crannell Law Group, LLC are here to support your family and fight for the resources your child needs to heal and move forward.

Let us help you explore your legal options today. Call us at (630) 995-9995 or send us a message through our contact page to schedule a free consultation.