Children In The Vehicle

What to Do After an Accident with Children in the Vehicle in Connecticut

Car accidents are stressful and overwhelming, especially when children are involved. Their smaller size and vulnerability make them more susceptible to serious injuries during collisions. Taking the right steps after an accident can protect their safety, ensure proper treatment, and help you build a strong case if another driver was at fault.

Here’s what you need to know and do after an accident with children in your vehicle.

Steps to Take After an Accident with Children in the Vehicle

1. Check on Your Kids

Immediately after the accident, check on all children in the vehicle. Ask if they feel pain or discomfort and look for visible signs of injury.

If any child has serious injuries, call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Keep children away from immediate dangers, such as oncoming traffic or unstable vehicles.

2. Call the Police

Report the accident to the police. When officers arrive at the scene, let them know children were in the car and explain any injuries they sustained.

The police will document the accident in an official report, which can be crucial for filing an insurance claim or pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your children don’t show immediate signs of injury, take them to a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not manifest right away. A prompt medical evaluation can ensure hidden injuries are identified and treated early.

4. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Reach out to an experienced car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. An attorney will:

• Investigate the accident.
• Determine liability.
• Help you seek compensation for your children’s medical bills and other damages.

Connecticut Laws on Child Passenger Safety

Properly restraining children in a vehicle is critical for their safety. Connecticut enforces strict child passenger safety laws to reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities during car accidents.

Child Passenger Safety Seat Requirements

According to Connecticut General Statutes § 14-100a(c):

• Children under age 2 or weighing less than 30 pounds must be in a rear-facing child safety seat.
• Children between ages 2 and 4, or weighing between 30 and 39 pounds must be in a forward-facing child safety seat with a five-point harness.
• Children between ages 5 and 7, or weighing between 40 and 59 pounds must be in a booster seat secured by a seatbelt.
• Children ages 8 to 15 must wear a seatbelt.

Additional Guidelines

• Children should remain in rear-facing seats until they meet the maximum height or weight limit specified by the car seat manufacturer.
• Booster seats are required until the child is tall enough to sit with their back against the seat and knees bent over the edge without slouching, typically around 4 feet, 9 inches.

How Proper Restraints Save Lives

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of child fatalities in the U.S. Tragically, many injuries and deaths result from improper use or lack of child restraints.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Correctly used car seats reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
• Booster seats lower the risk of serious injury for children aged 4 to 8 by 45%.

Even when children are properly restrained, accidents can still result in injuries. If your child was harmed due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

Get Help After an Accident Involving Children

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand how devastating an accident involving children can be. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Here’s what we offer:

• Free Consultations: Speak with us at no cost.
• No Upfront Fees: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Compassionate Representation: We’ll handle the legal complexities while you focus on your family’s recovery.

Contact Us Today

If you or your children were injured in a car accident, don’t wait to get help. Call Bert McDowell Injury Law at (475) 231-3274 or fill out our online form to schedule your FREE consultation. Let us fight for the financial recovery you need to move forward.