Car accidents cause devastating injuries to adults and children alike. According to the CDC, “In 2019, 608 child passengers age 12 and younger died in motor vehicle crashes, and more than 91,000 were injured. Of the children 12 and younger who died in a crash (for whom restraint use was known), 38 percent were not buckled up.” Keeping your children buckled up in appropriate safety seats could save them from serious injury.
What kind of injuries do children typically sustain?
Ohio law requires children to use car or booster seats until they reach an appropriate age, weight and height. This is because car safety standards are designed for the average adult male. Booster and car seats add extra protection in areas where children are prone to injury.
Common childhood car accident injuries include:
- Head injuries: Head injuries are the most common type of childhood car accident injury. Infants under one year old are particularly vulnerable. They may suffer lacerations, contusions and concussions. Children between one and seven are more likely to sustain base skull fractures. Head injuries can lead to memory loss, confusion, learning disabilities or death, depending on their severity.
- Thoracic injuries: Thoracic, or chest injuries, are caused by blunt or penetrative force. While children under one are the most susceptible to rib fractures and lung injuries, this is another common injury type for all ages.
- Extremity injuries: Upper and lower extremity injuries can occur, even when you have your child buckled into an age- and weight-appropriate car seat. Humerus fractures are the most common extremity injury, with radius and ulna fractures close behind. Kids under one are more likely to suffer pelvic fractures in a crash.
What to do if your child is injured in an accident
When your child is involved in a collision, seek medical help immediately. Even if your child says they feel fine, their fear and shock may be masking internal injuries. Once you’re satisfied that their condition is stable, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny for legal assistance.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may recover compensation for your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income as a result of caretaking and more. Because childhood car accident injuries can have lasting effects, it’s important to work with our seasoned personal injury firm. We can review your claim and discuss what kind of damages you are likely to recover.
Call an Ohio personal injury lawyer today
Has a negligent driver injured you or your child? I’ll Make Them Pay!® Get in touch with me at 800-556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Tim Misny will help you through each step of the legal process, so you can focus on your family.
