Compensation for a child RTC

nelliedean

I recently was involved in an RTC. Well actually it was all my fault. I can give multiple reasons why it happened but haven't a single excuse.
My car was a write off.
There will be a lot of fall out to deal with as of the other two cars involved one may be fixable the other had no damage. One lady had minor injuries (at the time), but I have no knowledge of any other injuries identified.
So. Dealing with the guilt, I have now been asked by my insurance company if I want to claim compensation for my daughter who was the passenger in my car. She's 14 so I stand as the deciding parent and have no one else to ask for unbiased advice.
I know my decision. I know what hers is. But I wanted some unbiased opinions as to whether I should say yes or not. She was very emotional for a few days and nights, understandably. She also has seat belt bruising on abdomen and chest and has a soft tissue injury to her wrist.
We were all very lucky in spite if my stupidity.
So straw poll- would you say yes or no?

waamo

Don't be coy, put a figure on it.

loskie

yes if as you describe she has genuinely suffered. It will make no difference to your costs,

Marvel1

No, there is no finanical loss.

AdrianC

Compensation for injuries is totally separate to fault and to vehicle damage. It is purely related to the extent of the injuries.


A bit of bruising and a sprained wrist?

It's not going to be lucrative...

AndyMc.....

There’s no rush to claim for a 14 year old.

Keep_pedalling

I can’t see that there is anything to claim for as in this case there are no financial losses. If her injuries were more severe then there might be e.g. someone having to take time off to look after her, or to private tutor if she was missing school.

caprikid1

I see no reason for you not to claim, she may not have suffered financial loss but in whiplash pain and suffering claims that is clearly not the only issue.


My only concern would be what message it gives to your daughter in terms of responsibility for the accident and the claim culture we seem to be facilitating in our society.


Insurance paid me out compensation so clearly my dad was not at fault.

diamond_dave

Got knocked off my bike a few years ago by an old guy in a car who turned left across me. Bounced down the road, went to A and E, but nothing broken, just bruised and shaken. Went to see the man a week later, just to chat, thinking he would be apologetic, but all he said was " -you shouldn't have been on the road ". Didn't claim any compensation as I was just glad to be alive. Too much compensation culture nowadays.

nelliedean

I can't work out how to quote the first reply but this is a genuine question.
I automatically said no but, bearing in mind the accident was in no way my daughters fault, I was worried that I was saying no because it was my fault.
The insurance company are planning on calling me again today to ask me this question again, so I really did just want a few quick opinions. And as most of them mirror what I think I'll stick to my no answer.

mac.d

Since you were at fault, feel free to compensate her yourself. Otherwise no.