Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and serious injury among children in the United States. As personal injury attorneys, we have seen firsthand the devastating consequences that child passenger injuries can have on families. That’s why we appreciate Child Passenger Safety Week, which amplifies the message about safety precautions for child passengers.
We know that appropriate car seats and booster seats save lives, but too many children are still riding without proper restraints or in seats that don’t fit their age and size. These preventable mistakes can lead to catastrophe in the event of a collision. Even among children who are properly restrained, serious injuries still occur among both restrained children and older kids who have aged out of them.
If your child was seriously injured or tragically lost in a motor vehicle accident, we understand the unimaginable pain and heartbreak you are going through. Please know that you do not have to navigate a car accident claim on your own. Our experienced car accident attorneys will gather evidence to build your case and negotiate for the highest settlement possible on your behalf.
Statistics on Child Passenger Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of three children were killed and an estimated 442 children were injured every day in traffic crashes in 2023, totaling 1,019 child passenger deaths and 161,478 injuries. Additional statistics show:
- Forty-three percent of children who died in these crashes were unrestrained.
- Of the children killed in these traffic crashes, an estimated 25 percent were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
- Males accounted for 60 percent of child fatalities in traffic crashes, while males and females each accounted for an estimated 50 percent of children injured in traffic crashes.
Why Using Car Seats Properly Matters
Car seats are not optional safety devices; they are essential and legally required for young passengers. However, using the wrong type of seat, or using it incorrectly, leaves children vulnerable. It is very important for parents to follow all child restraint laws and to learn how to properly install car seats to keep their children safe. That’s why Child Passenger Safety Week includes National Seat Check Saturday. It’s a great opportunity for parents to get free help from certified technicians who can check that seats are installed properly.
In addition to the safety risks, failing to use the correct car seat or not securing a child properly can affect a car accident settlement even if the other driver caused the accident. Insurance companies often review whether a child was properly restrained, which can complicate claims and potentially reduce the payout for Washington accident claims if a percentage of fault is assigned to the driver who was in charge of the injured child.
Why Parents Should Talk to Their Teens About Responsible Driving
Parents should talk to their teens about responsible driving because teens are at a higher risk of car accidents. Young drivers may take risks, get distracted, or make poor decisions, especially with friends in the car – putting themselves and their passengers at risk. Talking openly helps teens understand the dangers of speeding, not wearing seat belts, texting while driving, and other unsafe behaviors. Parents can set clear rules, show safe driving habits, and give tips for making smart choices. These conversations can help teens stay safe and protect everyone on the road.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
When a child is injured in a crash, families are often overwhelmed as they attempt to manage emotional trauma, medical treatment, and financial stress. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the crash to determine liability.
- Address issues involving proper restraint use and how they may impact the case.
- Hold negligent drivers and, in some cases, manufacturers accountable.
- Pursue compensation to cover medical bills, long-term care, and other damages.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
