Are Child Passengers More Susceptible to Injuries in a Car Accident?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Car Accidents

A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, and it can result in life-altering consequences. From vehicle damage to serious injuries, a collision may result in significant expenses. In some cases, a driver may not be the only person in the automobile at the time. He or she may have passengers, some of whom may be other adults or minors under the age of 18. Children who are involved in a car crash can sustain major damage, with some injuries even proving fatal in certain situations. Although Illinois has strict laws on seat belt use and car seat safety, younger occupants may be more likely to get hurt in an auto accident.

Child Occupant Safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. Sadly, many of these deaths can be prevented. A large percentage of the fatalities occur when a child is not properly restrained in a car seat or with a seat belt. However, injuries can still occur even when passengers are buckled. Airbags can cause bruising and fractures depending on the force of impact when they are deployed. Because children have a smaller body mass than adults, colliding with any object in the vehicle can cause significant injuries. In some situations, children can suffer broken bones or spinal cord damage. Shattered windows can send glass flying, resulting in lacerations and severe blood loss.

Common Injuries Among Minor Passengers

It is important to seek medical attention immediately following an accident to properly assess the damage. In addition to possibly saving a life, prompt treatment from a doctor can prevent long-term effects of an injury, such as paralysis or disfigurement. In addition, records related to medical treatment are often critical when building a case against an at-fault driver. X-rays, scans, and photographs taken right after the accident can show the full extent of a child passenger’s injuries, which may include:

• Head or neck trauma
• Broken or fractured bones
• Cuts or scrapes
• Broken ribs
• Internal bleeding
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Negligence in Vehicle Collisions

In many car accidents, a negligent driver is at fault for causing the crash. Negligence may involve an intoxicated motorist getting behind the wheel after a few too many drinks, or a person may drive while drowsy after not enough sleep. Eyewitnesses can provide testimony that a driver was traveling over the posted speed limit or swerving between lanes. Video camera footage from an intersection can also be used to show that a driver was at fault for a collision.

Negligence can also take the form of defective or faulty vehicle parts or maintenance. Although many of today’s vehicles come standard with advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents and injuries, auto parts and safety features can malfunction. For example, car windows can close on children and cause a serious injury. If a door or trunk lock is defective, a child may accidentally get locked inside the car, unable to get out. Similarly, defective brake pads can cause a driver to lose control and hit another car or pedestrian. In these cases, a vehicle manufacturer or third-party vendor may be held liable for failure to properly inspect or install equipment.

Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer

Determining who is at fault in a vehicle collision may not be as cut-and-dry as you might think. A seasoned Orland Park, IL car accident attorney will be able to assist you in gathering evidence to prove liability for your or your passengers’ injuries. With more than 10 years of legal experience, attorney Khaled Issa has a proven record of success in securing compensation for victims of all ages who have been involved in car crashes. This is important to consider since some injuries can require lifelong care or treatment. Call our office today at 708-966-2408 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-402

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-406

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-401

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html