What to do if your child is injured in a vehicle collision

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Being involved in a car crash is stressful regardless of the circumstance, but the experience is even more terrifying when your child is involved. Every parent wants to protect their children from danger, but when it comes to vehicle collisions, if your child is injured then it can feel like their well-being goes out of your control. 

When experiencing such a terrible event, you want to ensure your child is okay – not only physically but also emotionally. However, knowing what to do if your child is injured is challenging. 

Serious car accidents can lead to different emotions, ranging from adrenaline and shock to irrational thinking and anger. When your child is in the car too, these emotions intensify – and that’s only natural. Although no parent would ever want to find themselves in such a frightening situation, it’s a common occurrence, as many children are injured in traffic collisions

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Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/VZILDYoqn_U 

Common injuries children sustain in car accidents

Besides a car crash, children can sustain injuries in several circumstances, like riding their bicycles, being hit by a car, or playing near vehicles. Due to their small statures, the force of the collision impact increases the risk of suffering long-lasting injuries and, at worst, death. 

Common injuries that children can sustain in a car crash include:

  • Spinal injuries;
  • Internal organ damage;
  • Broken bones;
  • Chest injuries;
  • Paralysis;
  • Concussions, traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, and other similar brain injuries;
  • Lung injuries. 

Physical symptoms that indicate your child has been hurt

You should look out for some specific symptoms if your child has been involved in a car accident. If they experience more than two of these signs, it’s vital to contact a medical professional. Here’s what could signal an injury in your child:

  • Speech issues;
  • Abnormal breathing;
  • Vomiting;
  • Excessive crying;
  • Sleeping difficulties; 
  • Bleeding from ears, nose or mouth;
  • Vision problems;
  • Lack of appetite;
  • Loss of consciousness. 

How is your child reacting to the vehicle collision? 

Is your child crying after the car accident? If so, that’s a good thing. Hearing your child crying doesn’t necessarily mean they are in pain – it signals right away that they haven’t lost consciousness. 

In the days after the collision, it’s imperative to observe your child’s emotional reaction to the accident. Even if they experience minor physical injuries or none at all, their mental health is also critical, so you should keep an eye on their behaviour and try to understand how they react to what happened. Children’s reactions vary depending on age, so keep this thing in mind when deciding if their response is normal. According to car accident specialists, a child between 0-6 years old will typically:

  • Become clingy;
  • Behave similarly to an earlier developmental period.

    If your child is between 6-12 years old, a normal reaction involves: 

  • Becoming more concerned about their family’s well-being;
  • Not talking about the accident;
  • Acting aggressively towards parents.

   A child between 13-19 years old will: 

  • Experience mood swings;
  • Overanalyse their reaction to the collision;
  • Experience changes in their school performance;
  • Have a hard time focusing at school;
  • Have sleeping trouble;
  • Avoid social events.

If your child reacts to the collision in a way that doesn’t indicate a normal response for their age, it’s vital to discuss the situation with a medical professional. 

Also, it’s critical to remember that you’re probably shaken up too, so remember to take care of yourself as well. Monitor your reactions to the car crash and focus on your emotional healing. This is essential because your child is safer and happier when you are doing well.  

 Key steps to take if your child is injured in a car accident

 Checking for injuries is one of the critical things you should do after being involved in an accident with your child in the car. However, there are other essential steps you should take, such as: 

  • Seeking immediate medical attention. Symptoms like spinal injuries, traumatic brain injury or internal organ damage may not appear right after the car crash. Moreover, younger children and infants have difficulty expressing their pain or even understanding they’ve been hurt. Therefore, it’s best to seek medical care as soon as possible after the vehicle collision. Additionally, you should monitor your child’s symptoms a few days – and even weeks – after the car crash and follow the medical professional’s advice. 
  • Replacing the car seat. Unless the collision was minor and no one suffered any injury, replacing your child’s car is imperative, as the damage may not be visible. 
  • Contacting a legal expert. It’s critical to seek legal support as soon as possible after the car accident. Supposing a driver’s negligence caused the car crash, you can make an accident claim in the UK. A legal expert can gather the evidence required to prove their negligence and determine the compensation your child can get. Plus, they can negotiate an injury settlement with the insurance company. This is critical to ensure your child’s financial and medical needs are met in the long term. 

How can you help your child adapt to life after the accident?

It’s vital to remember that recovering after a car accident takes time. Your child doesn’t only need to heal from physical injuries but also from emotional ones – which can be pretty challenging. But there are some things you can do as a parent to support their healing process: 

  • Try not to be overprotective, as this could lead to more harm -it’s critical for your child to feel that the danger has passed and they are safe. 
  • Focus on the positive aspects when talking about the collision. Rather than saying what went wrong, talk about their reaction and praise them for behaving positively to ensure they won’t dwell on negativity. 
  • Talk about the car crash, but keep what happened in the past. Let your child know they are safe now. 
  • Spend time with your child doing fun things together, like watching a movie, going for a walk or doing a puzzle. 
  • Keep to your routine, as it will comfort your child and help them feel secure. 

Last words

It’s critical to seek legal support as soon as possible after the car accident. Supposing a driver’s negligence caused the car crash, you can make an accident claim in the UK. A legal expert can gather the evidence required to prove their negligence and determine the compensation your child can get. Plus, they can negotiate an injury settlement with the insurance company. This is critical to ensure your child’s financial and medical needs are met in the long term. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer can provide the guidance needed to navigate the legal complexities of your case and protect your child’s rights. 

Even if your child didn’t suffer any physical injury, it’s still critical to monitor their emotional health to figure out if the accident caused any trauma. 

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