Unfortunately, car accidents are something that we see all too often in our world, and children can be involved in these accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 600 child passengers aged 12 and younger were killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2020 alone, with over 63,000 more being injured.
These numbers are staggering and illustrate the importance of education and prevention efforts to reduce the number of car accidents that occur. It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to stay informed about child passenger safety and to take every precaution when transporting their little ones.
Types of Car Accident Injuries in Children
Children are more vulnerable to injuries due to their smaller size and less developed physical structures. When compared to adults who have similar types of injuries, children tend to have more severe consequences.
Types of injuries children can suffer from car accidents include:
- Head and neck injuries: Children can sustain injuries such as concussions, whiplash, skull base fractures, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In severe cases, this can result in temporary or permanent developmental problems.
- Chest injuries: In an accident, sometimes restraints or contact with the seat in front of them can cause children to sustain thoracic injuries. This can include lung injuries, rib fractures, and more.
- Spinal injuries: When an accident has great force, this can result in spinal damage in children. In severe scenarios, this can result in paralysis.
- Fractures: Children can sustain fractures in their wrists, hands, and feet. They may also suffer a broken pelvis from seatbelts in an accident.
- Psychological injuries: Even if a child does not sustain physical injuries, they can still develop psychological problems due to the emotional effects of the accident. For example, children can be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident.
Car accidents can be especially dangerous for children. From whiplash to broken bones, there are many ways children can be injured in a car accident. Unfortunately, the effects can be more severe. In extreme cases, car accidents can lead to permanent disability or even death. As such, it is important to make sure children are always properly secured in vehicles and that safety precautions are taken to prevent potential accidents.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Vehicle Injuries in Children?
It can be daunting to think about all the potential risks your children face every day, and vehicle injuries are no exception. While you can't control other drivers on the road, there are steps you can take to help keep your children safer while driving.
According to Stanford Medicine, some of the most common causes of vehicle injuries in children include:
- Lack of/improper use of child safety restraints in vehicles.
- Improperly installed child car seats.
- Allowing children to ride pickup truck cargo areas.
- Leaving children unattended in motor vehicles.
- Allowing children to sit in the front passenger seat.
Car accidents can be incredibly dangerous, which is why it's crucial for parents and caregivers to be knowledgeable about car seat safety and additional measures they can take to ensure their child's safety while in the car. By staying informed and taking the necessary steps, parents can help keep their children safe on the road.
Ohio Statute of Limitations for Minors
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. This means that after two years, you are no longer able to file a lawsuit.
However, this is not the same for minors. If your child was injured in a car accident, Ohio Re. Code § 2305.16 allows them to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years after attaining the age of majority (18 years).
Work with Our Seasoned Car Accident Attorneys
Being involved in a car accident is a stressful situation for anyone, especially if your child is involved. It's essential to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and ensure that you and your child’s rights are protected.
At Bridges, Jillisky, Weller & Gullifer, LLC, our team of lawyers have years of experience in handling car accident cases and can provide you with the necessary support and guidance. Our attorneys can help you understand your legal rights, fight for your compensation, and address any questions or concerns you may have about your child's case.
With our team on your side, you can focus on recovery. Call us at (937) 403-9033 or fill out our form online.