T-Bone Collisions Involving Infants
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult, especially when there was an infant harmed in the collision. Infants are especially susceptible to injury due to their small size. Any impact will naturally hit infants harder as a result of their size. Side-impact collisions, or “T-bone collisions” account for approximately a quarter of all fatal crashes for both children and adults. When you are driving with an infant in your vehicle, it is extremely important that the infant is properly secured in the car seat recommended for their weight and age.
If your infant family member has been injured in a side-impact car accident, contact our attorneys right away. We may be able to help you get compensation for your child’s injuries, including money to pay the resulting medical bills. We have attorneys in every state fighting for the rights of the injured.
Infants are Especially at Risk for Injury in Car Accidents
Infants and small children have proportionately larger heads than older children and adults. This creates a higher center of gravity. Additionally, infants generally lack the ability to control the movement of their head upon impact in a car accident because their spinal muscle strength is not yet developed. This is part of the reason that rear-facing car seats are recommended for infants while traveling. The highest risk for the most serious injuries happen to infants seated on the side which is struck by the other vehicle. Infants who are seated in the middle seat or the far seat are at about an equal risk for serious injuries as a result of the accident.
Most Common Injuries Suffered by Infants in Collisions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that approximately 40% of child fatalities of rear-facing children eight years and younger happen as a result of T-bone collisions. These types of collisions can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children. The most common type of injury in side-impact collisions for infants is a head injury, such as a concussion. Other types of injuries frequently sustained by infants in these accidents include abdominal injuries (which can include things like a ruptured spleen or internal bleeding) and lower and upper extremity injuries, such as sprains or breaks.
What to Do in the Event Your Infant is Injured in a T-bone Car Accident
If you are involved in a side-impact collision (otherwise known as a “T-bone” accident) with your infant or small child, it is important to get medical attention right away. If the injuries are severe enough to prohibit you from moving around and speaking, you’ll want to contact the police and an ambulance right away. Side-impact collisions tend to be serious collisions that result in significant injuries and damage due to the type of impact and the fact that these accidents generally occur at high speeds. Even if the side-impact collision you and your infant were in was minor, it is strongly recommended that you take your baby to see a doctor just to make sure that there are no internal injuries which may not be immediately noticeable.
If you and your small child have been involved in a T-bone car accident, contact our lawyers right away. We may be able to help.