Car accidents involving children can be especially devastating, often resulting in injuries that require immediate medical attention. Despite safety measures like car seats and seat belts, children remain vulnerable to various injuries due to their smaller size and fragility.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious consequences of car accidents for children. Even with proper restraints, the impact of a collision can cause a child’s head to strike against the interior of the vehicle or be hit by flying debris. That can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, skull fractures, and other head trauma.
Symptoms of head injuries in children vary depending on the severity and type of injury. They include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irritability
Parents and caregivers should seek immediate medical attention if their child experiences these symptoms after a car accident.
Spinal Cord Injuries
These serious injuries can occur when the force of a car accident causes damage to the spinal cord or the surrounding vertebrae. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired motor function.
Spinal cord injuries in children can have long-term consequences, affecting their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Seek prompt medical treatment and rehabilitation for children who sustain spinal cord injuries in car accidents to maximize their recovery and quality of life.
Broken Bones
Children’s bones are still developing and may be more prone to fractures than adults. Fractures can occur in various body parts, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. In addition to fractures, children may also experience other injuries like dislocations, sprains, and strains. These injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort and may require surgery, immobilization with casts or braces, and physical therapy to promote healing and restore function.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Car accidents can also result in soft tissue injuries such as bruises, cuts, and abrasions. These injuries may seem minor compared to fractures or head injuries, but they can still cause pain and discomfort for children.
Internal Injuries
In some cases, car accidents can cause internal injuries like organ damage, internal bleeding, or abdominal trauma. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and may require diagnostic imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs to detect.
Whiplash
Whiplash in children can occur during a car accident when the vehicle abruptly stops or changes direction, causing the child’s head to jerk forward and then backward rapidly. This sudden motion stretches and strains the neck’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons beyond their normal range of motion, leading to whiplash. Despite children’s flexibility, their necks are still developing and may be more susceptible to injury in such situations. Whiplash can cause symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and difficulty moving the neck.
Our Mount Laurel Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman Are Experienced With Cases Involving Injured Children
Parents can feel helpless after their child is injured in a car accident, but there is help to be found. Our compassionate, skilled Mount Laurel car accident lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman can explain your options during a free consultation. To learn more, call 856-751-2345 or complete our online form. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients in Burlington County and the surrounding areas.