For parents on the road, keeping their child safe and secure is the number one priority. But even with all kinds of safety measures in place, crashes are sometimes inevitable.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 1,000 children died, and 178,000 were injured in automobile accidents in 2015 in the United States. These numbers are intimidating, but you can significantly minimize risks by taking all possible preventive measures. For example, child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by up to 71 percent. This makes the proper use of car seats and booster seats non-negotiable.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, it’s natural for parents to want the best possible care for their children during the treatment and recovery phase. But medical costs aren’t cheap, and bills can add up quickly. For this reason, many parents want to pursue compensation from the other driver involved in the collision. To receive the proper compensation for your child, hiring an experienced vehicle accident lawyer is the best way forward.

Types of Injuries Sustained by Children

According to an NHTSA study, the most common injuries sustained by children in car crashes are the following:

• Head Injuries: These are the common injuries children sustain in an accident. Typical head injuries include concussions, contusions, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and fractures at the base of the skull.
• Fractures: Hand, foot, and wrist fractures are also one of the most prevalent injuries children receive during an accident. Seat belts can also cause broken pelvises. In addition, femur and arm fractures are expected if a child is thrown from the vehicle.
• Thoracic Injuries: These are common in infants under 12 months old. Internal bleeding can also occur. Usually, these injuries were caused by car seat restraints.
• Whiplash: The impact can cause a rapid back-and-forth neck movement. Whiplash most commonly occurs when a vehicle is rear-ended.
• Glass Injuries: Broken glass from windows can cause lacerations on a child’s face and body, which may become scars. 
• Psychological Injuries: Car crashes are traumatic incidents. Emotional and mental trauma can arise hours or even days after an accident. 
• Permanent Disability: Nerve damage, spinal injuries, or limb loss are considered incapacitating injuries. Rollover accidents often cause these permanent disabilities.

How to Protect Your Child in a Car Crash

The best thing you can do to protect your child is to ensure that they are always placed in their car seat correctly. Babies under the age of two should be in a rear-facing car seat. If possible, put the child’s car seat in the middle of the back seat. This position receives less impact in rollover accidents or side-impact crashes. 

Here are a few other ways you can protect your child:

• Buy a Safe Vehicle: Purchase the safest vehicle you can afford. A few safety features you should look for include stability control, anti-lock brakes, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control.
• Be an Attentive Driver: Take serious measures to prevent distractions. Put any distracting items away and stay focused on the road. If your children need you, pull over in a safe area to assist them.
• Don’t Drive Late: Many parents are tempted to start long road trips late at night as their children sleep. However, late-night driving increases the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.

Difficulties You May Encounter When Seeking Payment for a Child’s Car Accident Injuries

You can receive both economic and non-economic damages after an automobile accident. Economic damages include anything you have directly paid or lost due to an accident. These could be car repairs, medical bills, and lost working time. 

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to intangible harm we recognize as pain and suffering. These damages compensate victims for emotional distress or grief following the loss of a loved one. These types of losses have no assigned dollar value. As a result, insurance companies will often try to minimize these types of damages, which is why getting a car accident attorney is essential to receive total and fair compensation. 

Get the Justice You Deserve With a Car Accident Attorney

As parents, nothing is more distressing than watching your child suffer from an injury while the person at fault remains unaccountable. With the help of a vehicle accident lawyer, you are more equipped to get through these trying times and achieve the fairest outcome for your child. A legal professional is your best chance of receiving compensation you and your child deserve. 

If you need a car accident attorney, call the Law Offices of David Kohm today and get a free consultation.

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