Children can be traumatized after an auto accident in Texas.
Previously, it was widely believed that trauma was limited to soldiers who had experienced extreme events outside normal human experiences. However, modern psychological literature understands that trauma can happen to anyone, including children. In fact, children are especially vulnerable to trauma because of their inability to recognize or anticipate danger.
On Monday, March 28, 2022, a four-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a deadly rollover accident in Boerne, Texas. The young girl’s car seat was not adequately secured to the vehicle, which allowed her to be ejected from the vehicle, along with her two-year-old and infant siblings, whose car seats were also improperly installed. The young girl was pronounced dead on the scene, and her two siblings were rushed to the hospital with major injuries, including a broken neck and hip, according to the affidavit (KSAT News, 2022).
The tragic death of young children due to an improperly installed car seat is an avoidable yet common mistake. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. Even though most parents comply with the law and utilize safety seats for their children, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 59% of all car seats are misused, meaning that they are not properly buckled and anchored to the vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child results in a fine of up to $250, according to Texas law. Children under the age of eight years old are required to be secured in a safety seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Children 12 and older must wear a seatbelt. These restrictions are designed to keep our children safe. Children younger than eight years old cannot be protected by seatbelts designed for the average adult. Their smaller size and weight put them at risk of being ejected from the vehicle or being struck in the head at impact. When properly installed, car seats raise children to a safer height and firmly secure them to the seat, greatly minimizing the risk of serious bodily injury. The best way to keep your children safe from injury is to use the appropriate safety seat for their age, height, and weight.
Not sure if your child’s car seat is properly installed?
The COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in economic challenges and substantial job loss, is raising concern for a greater spike in child abuse. Nothing is worse than receiving a call that your child has been injured or abused. It is worse when this call comes from their trusted child’s daycare facility.
If your child reveals something that makes you suspect they’ve been abused either physically or sexually, don’t overreact. Tell them you’re glad they told you about it. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) recommends consulting an expert such as a doctor, social worker, or law enforcement officer.
Don’t take your child back to the day care facility until you’re convinced it’s safe. If you believe your child has been harmed, seek medical attention. Take your children seriously if they tell you about something at daycare that makes them uncomfortable. With kids who are not talking yet, you’ll have to watch for other cues.
Texas Injury Lawyers Blog