Car Crash Child Injuries
Motor vehicle collisions are the most common cause of childhood injuries in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 121,000 children under the age of 13 were injured in collisions during 2014. While protecting children with properly installed child safety seats is critically important, even children who are secured properly can still suffer serious injuries.
Typical Injuries
Children suffering injuries caused by vehicle accidents often leads to high medical bills—even permanent disability in the most severe cases. Some of the most common health conditions include:
- Head and brain injuries. These are the most common collision-related child injuries, and they may include cuts and contusions, concussions, and skull fractures. In the most dire cases, these injuries result in brain damage, causing disabilities such as memory loss, paralysis, and speech problems.
- Thoracic injuries. These often afflict infants under age one, with rib fractures and lung injuries typically caused by car seat restraints.
- Spinal cord injuries. These are some of the most devastating types of medical conditions children can experience, potentially resulting in a lifetime of impairment.
- Post traumatic stress disorder. Much like adults, children may seem fine after a crash. However, they can be left with severe emotional trauma that only surfaces weeks, months, or even years after the collision.
Receiving Compensation
When your child is injured in a vehicle accident, you need to ensure that he receives all of the insurance benefits, medical treatments, and compensation for future lost wages he deserves.
The insurance company, on the other hand, has a different objective: maximizing profits. It’s likely to attempt to settle your claim as quickly as it can, for as little as possible, before you consult with an attorney.
You need professional legal representation to ensure your child receives the compensation he needs. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.