Children Face Risks of Injury or Fatality in Motor Vehicle Collisions

 Posted on October 08,2018 in Car Accidents

On Monday, October 1st, 2018, three Illinoisans were tragically killed in a car crash in Cook County. One of the victims was a three-year-old child. This most recent accident reminded everyone in the greater Chicago area of the inherent dangers that young children face while traveling as passengers in motor vehicles. 

In the vast majority of automobile accidents, the negligence of one driver is the cause. If your child is injured in a car accident, it is time to seek out quality legal representation. 

Child Injuries in Automobile Accidents 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children under the age of 12 face increased risk of severe, and even fatal, injuries in motor vehicle accidents. An alarmingly high number of children suffer serious injuries in car accidents each year throughout the United States. In 2016 alone, 128,000 children ages 12 or younger suffered serious injuries in automobile collisions, and over 700 children were killed. The staggering number of child injuries and fatalities is in large part due to the small stature of children and their susceptibility to severe injuries in a motor vehicle collision. 

A Seat Belt Can Save a Child’s Life 

While there is an increased risk every time a young child rides in a vehicle, there are a few simple steps you can take to increase your child’s safety. The first and most important step is ensuring that your child is properly utilizing their safety restraint system. According to studies conducted by the CDC, 35% of all children fatally injured in car crashes throughout 2016 were not wearing their seatbelts.

With children under the age of 12, some need to sit in a protective booster seat. Using a booster seat of the incorrect size or wearing a standard seat belt when the child is too small can actually increase the likelihood of a serious injury. 

Contact a Lake County Car Accident Lawyer

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our team of personal injury attorneys are dedicated to representing families impacted by the tragedy of a serious injury. In the event of a motor vehicle collision, injured parties can face expensive hospitalization, lengthy physical therapy, and chronic pain. Children involved in automobile accidents can face life-changing injuries. If you or a member of your family have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, our Waukegan personal injury attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact our office at 847-662-3303 to arrange a free consultation.

Sources: 

https://abc7chicago.com/3-year-old-boy-killed-triple-fatal-in-englewood-crash-idd/4389909/

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