Child Injuries in Car Crashes: Safety Measures and Compensation

Car Seat to Prevent Child Injuries in Car Crashes

One of the worst nightmares for any parent is seeing their child injured in a car crash. Unfortunately, even with all the precautions in place, child injuries in car crashes can happen.

In this situation, you need to consider both your child’s well-being and your right to act on their behalf and seek compensation for damages. Consult with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer to assist you in filing a claim during this stressful period.

Let’s look at child car safety tips and what to do if your child is hurt in an accident.

Preventing Child Injuries in Car Crashes

The following safety tips can help prevent child injuries in car crashes.

Young Children Must Be Restrained in Special Seats

In Georgia, all children under 8 years old must be placed in a car seat. Make sure that you choose a crash-tested model that is compatible with your vehicle.

It is important to be able to restrain and free your child from the seat with ease, so test a car seat in the store to see how its harness and buckles work. The ability to take your child quickly out of a crashed car may be life-saving, especially if an engine fire starts.

Install the Car Seat at the Back

Many parents feel safer and more confident with their child within sight in the front seat. However, the safest area in the car for children is the back seat. In case of a collision, airbag deployment in the front seat could cause severe injuries.

Make Sure that the Car Seat Is Properly Secured

Car seats are usually easy to secure inside the vehicle, but there are cases when you are not sure. Did you hear the click of the lock being engaged? In some cases, you are in a hurry to take your child to daycare or school and perform the task of securing the car seat on automatic mode, without paying close attention.

However, this simple mistake can lead to severe child injuries in a car crash. And, when you file your claim, you will be found partially at fault for your child’s accident, because you failed to restrain them properly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers helpful step-by-step installation tips for all types of car seats, so take the time to read them.

Children in Booster Seats Must Wear a Seatbelt

Children between 8 and 12 years old usually use a booster seat in the car. However, they must also wear the seatbelt. It must fit the child snugly over the ribcage and hip bones.

Do not allow the seatbelt to go under the arm or behind the back – it does not protect your child from injuries in case of a collision.

Ambulance Crew Helping Child Injured in Car Accident

How to Seek Compensation for Child Injuries After a Car Accident

Looking after your injured child and pursuing legal action is extremely stressful, so make sure to consult with an Atlanta car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.

But before you speak with an attorney, make sure to follow the general rules for protecting your legal rights.

1. Report the Accident to the Police

Georgia traffic laws state that any accident resulting in injury and/or $500 in property damage must be reported to the police. After you do this, wait at the crash scene until police officers arrive to investigate.

When you call to notify the accident, also ask for an ambulance for your injured child. They must receive medical assistance immediately and you can follow them to the hospital as soon as the police finish investigating the accident scene.

2. Take Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene

Do not forget to collect your own evidence at the crash scene. It is important to take photos immediately after the crash, showing everyone in their seats and the positions of the vehicles after the collision. These details can make a lot of difference in proving the other driver’s fault during the claim negotiations.

Also, look for any eyewitnesses and ask them to give you a brief statement and their contact details.

3. Seek Medical Care for Yourself, As Well

It could be possible that you also suffered injuries after the crash and could open a separate claim on your behalf. So, let the doctors check you and perform diagnostic tests. Be assured, that your child receives the best medical care, as well.

4. Do Not Talk to an Insurance Adjuster Without a Lawyer

Last but not least, do not engage in any discussions and negotiations with an insurance adjuster. As hard as it may seem, they will try to find you at fault for your child’s injuries. Many parents let their emotions take control and say things that will hurt their claim in the process, or even get them charged for assault and battery.

To avoid these unpleasant situations, let the adjuster know that your lawyer will be in touch soon to discuss your claim.

Call an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer!

The best way of protecting your child’s legal rights is by reaching out to The Weinstein Firm as soon as possible after the crash. We know how to use evidence and negotiate with insurance companies.

Remember that you only have 2 years from the date of the accident to take legal action, so call us today to schedule a free case review at 770-HELP-NOW!

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