What Happens if a Child Is the Only Survivor of a Car Crash in Tampa?

In late September of 2025, 10 Tampa Bay reported that a six-year-old child was the only survivor of a serious car crash on I-4. The collision claimed the lives of three other victims. What happens in a situation like this? How does the child’s family access suitable compensation? What happens to the child? These are questions family members and guardians may wish to discuss with a Tampa auto accident attorney.

The Family May Be Able to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

If the child has lost their entire family in a car accident, a more distant family member may have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased victims. For example, the child might have been traveling with their parents at the time of the collision.

If the child was the sole survivor, the grandparent, the aunt, or the uncle of the child may be able to pursue legal action on the parents’ behalf. Other distant relatives might include adult siblings of the child. If these individuals are not available for whatever reason, even more distant relatives could get involved.

A wrongful death lawsuit will not bring the family back, but it could be beneficial for various reasons. First, it can help cover the cost of the funerals. The average funeral in the United States costs thousands of dollars, and multiple fatalities may therefore represent a major economic burden for the family.

A wrongful death lawsuit can also provide the child with economic security going forward. The family may pursue damages for lost income. In other words, the child may receive compensation for what their parents would have provided if they had survived. If both parents had relatively high-paying jobs, this compensation can be substantial.

The child and their extended family may receive compensation for unpaid medical bills. The parents might have lost their lives, but only after receiving extensive, life-saving treatment at a nearby hospital. This can lead to additional medical debt for the family, which they should not have to pay if someone else caused the crash.

Finally, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide additional compensation for non-economic damages. These are psychological issues that arise from fatal accidents. The child may be traumatized, and perhaps they are struggling with legitimate psychological disorders after the experience. Grief can also take a tremendous toll on a child’s mental health. A wrongful death lawsuit can therefore lead to significant compensation, especially if multiple family members perished in the same accident.

Discuss Your Options With a Tampa Auto Accident Attorney

If you’re the relative of a child who has lost their entire family in a car accident, you may want to discuss your options with an experienced auto accident attorney in Tampa. It may be necessary to move quickly, even though you might be preoccupied with funeral arrangements, medical decisions, and more. Consider contacting Anderson & Anderson to learn more about the next steps.

Source:

wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/polk-county-i-4-deadly-crash-6-year-old-girl-survives/67-0a51f9da-ba72-48ff-b461-c0a0c8508dec