5 Tips to Protect Your Child during a Car Accident

While car rides can be dangerous for anyone, they are especially dangerous for children. Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. As a parent, you cannot prevent all car accidents from happening. However, there are preventative measures you can take to keep your little one safe in the event of a car crash.

Even if you take all necessary precautions, your child could still be injured due to someone else’s negligence. If your child sustained an injury due to a car accident, it is essential to contact a skilled and experienced car accident attorney as soon as you are able. Your attorney will evaluate your case, collect evidence, and help ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation available for you and your child’s losses.

5 Safety Tips to Protect Your Child from a Car Accident

The best way to protect your child during a car accident is to create a safe environment for them in your vehicle at all times. Some safety tips that can help protect children in the event of an accident include:

Use a Car Seat and Make Sure it is Installed Correctly

Car seats ensure that small children are properly restrained since they are too small to use a seat belt safely. Children will need different sized and styled car seats to remain safe as they grow. This handy guide from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration can help you determine which car seat is right for your child. It is also essential to make sure the seat is installed correctly. It is essential to read the detailed instructions that come with every seat to create the safest environment for your child.

Keep Your Child in the Backseat

The backseat is the safest place in the car as it is the furthest away from potential impact points. Additionally, front seats are designed for adults. Children run the risk of being injured by the airbags if they sit in the front. All children under the age of 13 should always ride in the back for their safety.

Pull Over Immediately if You Are Distracted

If you have children, you know that sometimes distractions such as yelling, crying, or spilled snacks are inevitable. Unfortunately, distracted driving is the cause of many car accidents. Instead of trying to parent and drive simultaneously, pull over to deal with any distractions.

Use Child Safety Locks

Power windows are hazardous for children to operate and are responsible for many child deaths and injuries. Children can get their heads or limbs stuck in the windows resulting in broken bones, amputations, or other injuries from oncoming traffic. It is best practice for the parent to control the windows at all times.

Never Leave Your Child in Your Car Unattended

Texas has led the nation in hot car deaths since 1990. If a child is left in a hot vehicle for too long, they could die of heatstroke. Even if you leave the car running to keep it cool, leaving your child unattended still poses several risks. Children may be tempted to get behind the wheel and unintentionally cause a tragedy.

Contact the Highly Qualified Car Accident Attorneys at Sutliff & Stout

Child injuries suffered from a car accident can be emotionally and financially devastating to families. If your child has been injured in Houston due to someone else’s negligence, the experienced attorneys at Sutliff & Stout can help. Our skilled attorneys are dedicated to providing a personalized approach to every case so that you receive the compensation that matches your unique needs. Schedule a free and confidential case review with our legal team today by calling (713) 987-7111 or filling out our online contact form.