Driver hits 11-year-old in North Harris County

HOUSTON, TX – Emergency responders rushed an 11-year-old to the hospital after the child was hit by a motor vehicle at an intersection in North Harris County.

Click2Houston reports that police responded to Old Cypresswood Drive and Aldine Westfield Road at about 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The child is in stable condition, says Mark Herman, Constable of Harris County’s Precinct 4.

Little else is known at this time. We will provide updates as they become available.

How Do You Pursue Accountability for an Injured Child?

When a child gets hurt in a pedestrian accident, it’s natural for their parents to want to hold the at-fault driver accountable. Injury claims involving children are handled differently from those involving adults because minors lack the legal capacity to bring a claim on their own. In Texas, a child’s parent or legal guardian must file on their behalf, and the court closely supervises the process to protect the child’s financial interests. A child may not understand the long-term effects of an injury, so these special procedures help safeguard any compensation they might receive.

Parents or guardians must provide documentation showing the injury’s impact on the child’s health, education, and quality of life. Courts will also consider potential future costs to ensure the compensation adequately covers the child’s long-term needs rather than their short-term losses.

When the parties reach a settlement, it must usually be approved by a judge during a minor settlement hearing. At this hearing, the judge confirms that the agreement is fair and that the funds will be used for the child’s benefit. In many cases, courts require that the money be placed in a restricted account, structured settlement, or trust that the child can only access when they reach adulthood or for specific approved expenses, such as medical care.

Deadline to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Minor in Texas 

Most personal injury claims in Texas must be filed within two years of the accident date. However, this rule applies a little differently to claims arising from an injury to a child. If an injured party is under 18, the start date for the two-year period is their 18^th birthday, meaning they have until they turn 20 to file a lawsuit.

This doesn’t mean a parent lacks options before their child turns 18. In fact, a parent may file a claim on their child’s behalf before they turn 18, but they must do so within two years of the accident date. Initiating a claim as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident gives you time to gather evidence and conduct a thorough investigation without worrying about vital evidence going missing or running up against a tight deadline.

If your child was hit by a car, you’re entitled to pursue a claim against the careless driver responsible for the accident. Working with an experienced Houston pedestrian accident lawyer makes this process much less stressful and more straightforward, and allows you to focus on what matters – your child’s health and recovery. Consider contacting an attorney today to discuss your legal rights and options.