Every year, millions of individuals are involved in car incidents. Such accidents not only result in trauma but can also lead to severe, sometimes fatal, injuries. The impact is especially profound when children are involved, given their heightened vulnerability. However, children are considered at higher risk of road traffic accidents due to their restricted physical, cognitive, and social development, which limits their ability to shield themselves compared to adults. This blog will explain the legal implications of car accidents involving child victims and discuss preventative measures to safeguard them from such incidents.
Common Car Accident Injuries that Children Sustain
A car accident involving children can be a deeply distressing event. In those cases when the children don’t appear injured, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care right after the car accident. Remember, many medical conditions may not present symptoms until days or weeks after a collision, making an immediate physician’s exam significant. The following are some of the most common car accident injuries:
1. Head and Neck Injuries
Whiplash, concussion, broken neck, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and skull fractures are considered some of the destructive injuries that often occur due to car crashes. However, head trauma may cause permanent damage to one’s emotions, memory, concentration, and cognitive abilities.
2. Chest Injuries
Many children suffer from broken ribs or collapsed or punctured lungs, particularly in car accidents. These injuries can also lead to restraints tightening or failure to use seat belts.
3. Fractures
Car crashes can result in severe fractures ranging from wrists, legs, and arms to pelvis and other bones, causing extreme discomfort to the children. While some children fully recover, others can experience permanent limitations of movement that affect their activities and quality of life.
4. Psychological Trauma
A car crash can cause severe psychological trauma that can result in nightmares, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, and other mental conditions.
Child Car Seat and Booster Seat Laws
According to Canadian regulations, booster seat law allows you to choose the right seat fit for better protection during a sudden stop or a car crash. Booster seats are crafted for children who have surpassed the usage of their forward-facing child seats and weigh a minimum of 18 kg (40 lb). This helps keep the vehicle’s adult seat belt where it needs to be, shielding the children. The shoulder belt should sit in the middle of the child’s shoulder for the following reasons:
- This provides the most comfort to your child.
- This stops the child from slipping out of the seat.
- It prevents the belt from coming loose during sudden stops or accidents.
It’s crucial to understand that neglecting to adhere to booster seat regulations can result in significant consequences, including fines and demerit points on the driver’s license.
How to Protect Young Passengers in a Car Crash
Even when the children are no longer required to use a car seat, it remains crucial to observe essential safety regulations:
- Ensure to utilize a booster seat if the child has not met the age or height criteria for a standard seatbelt.
- Adults, older kids, and teens must always wear seatbelts.
- Take precautions so children can’t get in cars by themselves and don’t accidentally get trapped in one.
- Practice good defensive driving habits.
- Avoid driving any vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs.
- Be certain to opt for the safest vehicle available to deliver your family the highest level of protection.
- Do not place your child in bulky clothing before fastening the car seat. If required, put a blanket over your child and keep a bulky jacket for your child to use later.
- Don’t let your child ride in the front seat.
- Don’t drive all night with kids in the car. You could fall asleep at the wheel.
- Ideally, your children must sit in the middle of the rear seat. Kids involved in car accidents are safest in this position.
Conclusion
When children become victims of car accidents, the consequences can be highly devastating. However, the Canadian government has designed booster seat laws to protect children from hazardous road accidents. It is significant to follow the safety tips outlined in this blog to ensure the safety of young passengers. In such cases, you can also rely upon a car accident lawyer who can help protect your children’s rights and defend your case against the opposite party. Get in touch with MacIsaac Gow LLP for expert legal guidance following a car accident involving a child. We will help you learn more about your case and evaluate your options.
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