Charlotte Attorneys for Children Injured in Car Accidents

Car accidents can be severe and deadly for anyone involved. Nonetheless, children are at a particularly high risk of injury in car accidents. While car seats and seat belts go a long way in protecting children from injuries, children still have a significant risk of suffering substantial injuries from car accidents.

Even parents and caregivers who are diligent about safety precautions cannot always protect their children from suffering an injury when a car accident is severe enough. A parents' greatest fear is that their child or children will suffer an injury or pass away.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys understand how devastating it can be to cope with a child’s injuries. We are committed to protecting the legal rights of North Carolina children who suffer injuries in car accidents. Children are often more susceptible to injuries than adults because they are smaller. Brain injuries in children can result in developmental delays.

In many instances, injuries suffered from car accidents require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitative therapy. If your child has suffered an injury in a car accident, we can help. Contact our personal injury law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss how we can help you. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.

According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death in children ages 2 to 14 in the United States. Despite many states enacting stricter traffic laws, children continue to suffer injuries and fatalities as a result of motor vehicle accidents. The following statistics demonstrate how dangerous motor vehicle accidents continue to be for children:

• During 2006, nearly 7,000 children age 14 and younger were involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents.
• During 2006, an average of five children age 14 and younger died every day in a motor vehicle accident.
• During 2006, an average of 568 kids age 14 and younger suffered injuries resulting from a car accident.
• 45% of children fatally injured in car accidents were not restrained at the time of the motor vehicle accident.
• Child safety seats reduce fatal injuries by 71% for infants less than 1 year old
• Child safety seats reduced the risk of injuries by 54% for toddlers involved in motor vehicle accidents.

The Department of Transportation recently stated that children ages 0-7 involved in car accidents most frequently suffer head injuries. The younger the age of the child, the higher the chance that the passenger will suffer a head injury. The probability of suffering a head injury is at 70% for infants. Children ages 4-7 have a 39% risk of suffering a head injury in a car accident. Other common child car accident injuries include the following:

• Injuries to lower extremities such as lacerations, bruising, and broken bones
• Abdominal injuries that cause internal bleeding, other internal injuries, bruising, or lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries that could result in partial or full paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries that result in brain swelling, bleeding, or developmental delay

The consequences of brain injuries are not always readily apparent. In some instances, the full extent of the wounds won't become known for several days, months, or even weeks. It is essential to have a doctor perform a thorough evaluation of a child who suffered a brain injury in a car accident. A skilled professional can provide insight into the extent of necessary medical treatment and limitations suffered by the child due to brain injury.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration recommends that parents follow the following safety tips:

• Require all passengers, especially children passengers, to use seatbelts and car seats
• Require all passengers younger than age 13 to sit in a rear seat
• Make sure all vehicles come equipped with seat belts in every seat
• Make the driver responsible for checking that all children under age 16 are properly restrained
• Ensure any children with special needs are appropriately restrained in the motor vehicle
• Avoid driving while distracted, especially when you have child passengers in the car
• Avoid driving while fatigued, especially with child passengers in the vehicle

If your child suffered an injury in a car accident, the skilled attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC could help. Our attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of North Carolina personal injury law. We thoroughly investigate all of our client’s accidents and guide them as to the best way to pursue a legal claim to compensation. Call us now at 704-370-2828 to speak with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and Monroe.