What to do in the Event of an Accident involving an Infant

Posted on March 30th, 2018

The most immediate step a parent can take whenever his or her baby is involved in a car accident is to request emergency assistance by dialing 911. However, there are things you need to know. Of all the ways children can get seriously hurt, car accidents top the list and are all too common.

What to do after the Accident

First, understand that infants tend to be more susceptible to major injuries. If your baby sustains a head injury in an auto collision, the situation can be fatal or cause the infant to suffer from memory loss, headaches, and reading disabilities in the future. Some injuries could result in the improper growth of bones, which can sometimes lead to permanent disability. Secondly, it is often impossible to spot all injuries at the scene of the accident. Your child may have a hard time describing how they are feeling due to the confusion or shock involved. Some warning signs of serious injuries which not immediately appear obvious may include:

Abnormal vision
Lack of strength
Unconsciousness or excessive sleepiness
Abnormal breathing
Excessive crying
Restlessness or aggression

Getting emergency treatment will help minimize potential problems. It is advisable to not leave the scene until the authorities arrive and you should absolutely wait for medical personnel to assess your child and anyone else involved in the accident. Sometimes, the accident may be caused by the other motorist as a result of drunk driving, drowsiness, recklessness, or distraction. Be sure to consult a car accident lawyer to review the case and determine if you are entitled to any form of compensation. Remember that you may have to incur long-term medical expenses to treat the young one.

The Uniqueness of a Child Injury Claim

Most parents have reservations about making claims for their children whenever injuries are involved. It is important for you to know that these are some of the most sensitive claims and are often straightforward. With the assistance of an experienced car accident lawyer, you can get any compensation your family may deserve for the injuries and property damage associated with the wreck. Our attorneys will fight to see that you receive a proper settlement.

In some cases there are special rules that have been set apart for liability and compensation involving children under the age of 18. Toddlers and children are very helpless, and depend fully on their primary caregivers for security and safety. Your attorney can file a claim on behalf of your child immediately after the accident.

Also, remember the child needs reassuring interactions as they try to cope with the situation. They tend to be very sensitive to problems affecting their caregivers and this could include noise, distress, sadness, fear, being overwhelmed, or a situation where they are not sure of what is happening around them.