When children are injured in car accidents, the impact often feels more severe than when adults are involved. Parents who are responsible for their children's safety are devastated when another driver's actions result in harm to their child. As injury lawyers, we believe education is essential for raising awareness about child safety in vehicles.
Safety features
Car seats and seat belts can reduce children's injury risk by up to 82%. All 50 states mandate that children be secured with seat belts or in age-appropriate car seats. Despite these regulations and advancements in vehicle safety, about 27% of children remain unbuckled during accidents. In 2020, more than 63,000 children under the age of 12 were injured in car accidents.
Common Child Injuries in Car Accidents
A child's smaller stature makes them more susceptible to head, neck, and thorax injuries, whiplash, broken bones, lacerations, and organ damage. Their stronger ligaments increase the likelihood of sprains and strains, while their flexible bones reduce the risk of fractures.
Because children are still growing, they respond differently to car accidents and may not show symptoms as quickly as adults. They might not feel pain immediately, so seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Injuries like internal bleeding can be fatal if not treated promptly.
A concussion, a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), might not be immediately visible. Symptoms of a concussion in children include:
- Mood swings and irritability, such as crying and tantrums
- Lethargy
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities
- Low energy, possibly indicating depression
- Difficulty paying attention or focusing
Early diagnosis is vital for treating TBI. If left untreated, a TBI can negatively affect a child's cognitive and motor development.
Air Bags
When airbags were introduced in passenger vehicles, they significantly improved accident safety for adults. However, the same is not true for small children. Airbags inflate at speeds exceeding 200 mph, posing a risk of high-impact injuries to smaller passengers, such as head and neck injuries, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Therefore, it is much safer for children to be buckled in the back rather than the front seat.
Psychological Trauma And Injuries
While a concussion is a physical injury, psychological injuries, though not always visible, can be equally damaging. A child may not fully understand what is happening during the accident. The aftermath of a car accident can result in the same types of trauma experienced by adults. In addition to physical injuries, a child may exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, avoidance, and PTSD.
Children may not be able to express their feelings effectively, so parents must be vigilant for signs of psychological injury. The trauma from the accident can affect a child's ability to cope, impacting their school performance and daily life. Therapy can be beneficial in helping the child process the trauma and move forward.
Kansas City Car Accident Attorney
Since 1918, The Popham Law Firm has helped hundreds of people who have experienced all kinds of accidents and injuries. If your child has experienced an injury in a car accident and you’re in need of a child injury lawyer, let us review your case so that we can guide you on the best way to proceed. Contact us at (844) 243-2288 or use our online contact form.
