3 Common Injuries in Car Accidents Involving Children

97,000 children were injured in car accidents in 2018 alone. And car accidents are the leading cause of death among children.

Missouri requires children to be buckled in with appropriate child seat belts, but parents sometimes forget to buckle their kids before driving. This increases the chances of kids getting injured during an accident. In this article, we'll highlight the common injuries to children in collisions.

Types of Injuries Sustained by Kids

There are many different injuries that children can incur, but some are more common than others. Here are the common types of injuries sustained by children in a car accident:

• Head Injuries: A blow to the head or penetration of sharp objects can cause serious head injuries in children. After the initial impact, a child may seem okay, but the head injury may become severe if not detected, treated early. Common types of head injuries include; lacerations, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

• Chest Injuries: Car crashes can inflict extreme amounts of force on a child's chest, leading to severe chest injuries. Chest injuries include bruises or contusions around the chest area, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and damage to internal organs. Symptoms of chest injuries may include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, bruising, rapid changes in heart rate, etc. Chest injuries can be fatal. Any suspicion of chest injuries requires immediate medical care.

• Fractures: Fractures are also common in kids involved in vehicle crashes. Fractures occur due to sudden unnatural movements imposed on the body during a collision. They can also be caused by airbag deployment. Common fractures include the tibia, hip, rib, arm, femur, back, clavicle, and wrist fractures.

How Can You Protect Your Child from Injuries?

Before you start driving, it is important to ensure that your child is in their designated seats and buckled in with an appropriate child seat belt. Also, understand that driving at night can increase your chances of getting drowsy.

What Should You Do if You and Your Child Are Involved in an Accident?

If you and your child are involved in a car wreck, the first thing you should do is to seek medical attention, even if you don't see any visible injuries or discomfort. This will ensure your child is examined early and treated in case of any serious injuries. Next, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer to help you gather evidence, determine the value of your claim, and file a claim against the at-fault party's insurer.

Contact Us Today For Help with Your Car Accident Claim

If your child gets injured in a car accident around St. Louis, Missouri, don't file a claim without consulting the experienced injury attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm. Our attorneys can evaluate your claim for free and help you determine what compensation you are legally entitled to.