Protecting Children in a Car Accident

When children are in the car during an accident, the Camden county car accident lawyers have tips for specific steps parents can take to insure safety. In one year alone, over 120,000 children under the age of 12 are involved in car accidents in the United States.

Parental Instincts After an Accident

As a parent, your first instinct may be to check on your child immediately following an accident. If the accident is not too serious and you are able to still drive the car, the best action to take is to pull the car over to a safe area on the side of the road. Statistics show that drivers are more at risk for a second car accident immediately following an initial accident, and this should be a parent’s priority after an accident with children in the car.

If a child is crying or upset, the parent may want to immediately remove the child from the car seat to comfort them. If the child has been hurt, it is best to call 911 and wait until medical professionals arrive on the scene before removing the child from the seat. Removing the child improperly from the seat after they have sustained a spinal or neck injury could further injure the child. Since the spine is not fully developed in children under age two, they are particularly susceptible to head, neck, and spine injuries. Parents should check to see if the child is exhibiting signs of injury, such as abnormal breathing or bleeding, and report this to medical professionals immediately.

Injuries After a Car Accident

If medical professionals have determined that your child is not showing signs of immediate injury, it is important to continue to observe the child over the next few days, in case there are injuries that manifest later. It is always a good idea to see your pediatrician shortly after an accident to ensure that the child is not suffering any latent injuries. Some symptoms to look for after an accident are:

• Neck Pain: This could be a sign of whiplash
• Stomach Pain: This could be a sign of internal bleeding
• Back Pain: This is common after a rear-end collision
• Headaches: Although this is common, it could be a sign of a brain injury

Camden County Car Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Victims Injured in All Types of Car Accidents

If you or your child has been injured in a car accident, the Camden County car accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law can help. We evaluate any claims you may have or claims that could be brought on behalf of yourself and your child. Contact us today by calling 856-414-0010 or contact us online to schedule your free and confidential consultation. Our offices are in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, helping us serve clients from the surrounding areas.