Vehicle accidents are scary enough, but even more so when there are children with you. Here’s what parents need to know about kids in car accidents.
Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but it can feel even more intense when they are children involved.
If you’re a mother and have recently been in an accident with your child, there are several important things you need to know.
This helpful guide discusses seven things to know about kids in car accidents so you can be prepared if it ever happens to you and your child.
1. Check on the Kids ASAP
Kids, especially young ones, are restrained in their seat which can make it more difficult to remove them after an accident. In some accidents, kids can become submerged in water and cannot remove themselves due to the seat restraints.
Whether it’s a fender-bender or a serious accident, check on the children as soon as you’re able to make sure they are OK. Ask them if they are hurt and where it hurts so you can report that information to the police and medics. Never try to move your child if they’re stuck inside or under a vehicle but instead, allow the paramedics to remove them for safety reasons.
2. Kids in Car Accidents Should be Monitored
Very young children may not know how to express themselves or tell you if they’re in pain. After the car accident, monitor your child carefully and look for any lingering signs of injury or trauma.
Even if your child seems fine right after the accident, they could experience pain and soreness for days or even months afterward. If a child stops eating, cries frequently, or has trouble sleeping, take them to your pediatrician as soon as possible. Head trauma is one of the most common injuries that children sustain after an accident, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good health after things calm down.
3. Replace the Car Seat
You should replace your child’s car seat after an accident, even if it’s just a minor one. The impact of a car hitting your vehicle can cause the car seat to become warped or damaged even if you can’t see it at first glance.
Some insurance companies may cover the cost of a new car seat if you file a claim. Even if your child was not in the car seat at the time of the accident, it could become damaged and therefore, less safe. Always replace the car seat after accidents to ensure that your child will be safe moving forward.
4. Talk to Your Child
Car accidents are a traumatic experience even for adults. Make sure you talk to your child and ask them how they feel about the accident and find out if they are feeling scared or uneasy.
A visit to a child psychologist could be warranted, particularly if the accident was major or traumatic. Check on your child frequently to find out how they are feeling not just physically, but emotionally as well. If they are not sleeping or they are exhibiting unusual behavior after the accident, you may want to seek counseling.
5. Seek Legal Help
Motor vehicle accidents often require the assistance o f a professional car accident attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve. If the other driver was at fault, it’s a good idea to hire an attorney to help you get proper payment for pain and suffering as well as medical costs.
Not only will you need to pay for your medical bills, but you’ll also have to pay for your child’s as well. That’s why it’s extremely important to use an experienced attorney when there are children involved in the accident. They can help you fight the insurance company and get the payment you and your child deserve to cover the many expenses associated with car accidents.
6. Practice Safe Driving Habits
Of course, you can minimize the risk of injury with a few safe restraint habits when you drive with your child. Always use booster seats or car seats that fit your child and keep them restrained.
Never allow small children to ride in the front seat or they could be injured if the airbag deploys. Have your car seat checked regularly to make sure it’s up to par. Update child restraints as needed when your child grows, and encourage good seat belt habits at a young age.
7. Know the Laws About Kids in Car Accidents
Each state has its own set of laws regarding proper safety restraints for children. Make sure you’re aware of the current laws in your state to avoid a possible citation.
Even if you’re not at fault, you could get a ticket from law enforcement if your child is not properly restrained at the time of the accident. Pay close attention to the current requirements to avoid tickets and of course, to make sure your child is safe. With the right protection, you and your child should be able to remain unscathed after an accident.
Keep Your Kids Safe
When it comes to kids in car accidents, all moms should be aware of the right way to handle the situation. Check on your children as soon as you’ve been in an accident and continue to monitor them carefully afterward.
Use quality car seats and replace your current car seat if you do get into an accident. Seek the help of a car accident attorney who can help you get the payment you deserve.
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