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5 Common Car Accident Injuries Suffered by Children

For many, something as small as a car ride to the grocery store could turn into a tragic car accident.

What parent doesn’t want their child to be safe? Most take all the necessary precautions to keep the little ones out of harm’s way, but life doesn’t always go as planned.

child in car seat

For many, something as small as a car ride to the grocery store could potentially end up tragic if you get in an accident along the way. In a fraction of a second, every parent’s worst dream could come to life.

Children are far more fragile than adults, which could also mean a car accident may leave them severly injured. Here are five types of injuries kids can sustain after a car accident.

1. Airbag Injuries

If the child sits in the front seat, and the car gets into an accident, the forceful impact of the airbag, though designed to save lives, could leave the child injured. Common injuries include broken noses whiplash or even small head injuries.

Children are far safer riding in the back of the vehicle where the airbags cannot reach them.

2. Head and Neck Injuries

Even if sitting in the back of the car, children could still have head or neck injuries as a result of the crash. The severity of them greatly depends on how hard the hit to the vehicle was. But for a child, any brain or neck injuries must be treated very seriously.

3. Fractures

Children have weaker bones while growing up, so a car collision can fracture their bones quite easily. If the impact is greater and the child is thrown out of the vehicle, the fractures could be extremely severe.

4. Spine Injuries

Hits to the spine can leave the child partially or permanently disabled. These types of injuries are particularly common when the car rolls over because of the impact.

5. Emotional Scarring

Injuries after car accidents aren’t just in relation to the physical body. It can be very frightening for a child to experience a car accident, so it’s imperative to check the child’s mental state to see if there are any lasting consequences.

Call for Help

It’s vital to remain calm after a car accident and call an ambulance as soon as you can, even if you think you and your child are fine. Wounds aren’t always visible, and you should get cleared by a doctor. If there are injuries, immediate medical care could potentially prevent the child from having any permanent damage as a result of the accident.

If your child gets injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Reach out to a St. Louis car accident lawyer to see what your options are. The child’s medical needs may be costly, particularly if they require a long treatment period and multiple interventions. These costs should be covered by the at-fault party. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 to speak with an experienced car accident attorney, day or night, free of charge.

Updated: January 18, 2023