Car crashes are daunting, regardless of the severity of the injuries they cause. The situation can be even more traumatic if you have a little one on board. Besides the risk of physical injuries, the accident may leave the child emotionally scarred for a lifetime.
Car Accident With Kids
Moreover, the injuries and emotional implications are challenging to deal with as a parent. Your child’s safety matters the most, and even the thought of an injury to your kid is devastating. But the last thing you should do in this situation is panic and lose control. If a Car Accident With Kids on board, here are the steps you must take to protect your child.
Drive cautiously in the first place
Driving safely should always be a priority for everyone behind the wheel, whether you commute with or without kids. But you must be extra conscious when you have little passengers on board.
Ensure they are safe in the car seat and have someone supervise them. You can avoid mishaps by following the road safety rules at all times. However, something may still go wrong because another driver is negligent. Be as vigilant as possible to avoid rash drivers on the road. You must also have a presence of mind to deal with an unexpected accident.
Move to a safe spot
Your first instinct after an accident should be to get your kids to safety. Move your vehicle to a safe spot away from the main road. It may be a parking lot, side street, or a nearby driveway.
Get out of the car and pull the passengers out if possible. Do not try to move them if injuries seem more serious. Waiting for help to arrive is the best option. You can also seek aid from passersby and ask them to call the police and an ambulance.
Car Accident With Kids and reassure them that they are safe. It is crucial to stay calm after the accident because panic can make things only worse.
Get medical treatment
Your child’s well-being should be the top priority after the accident. Check for injuries on the spot and provide first-aid to spot the bleeding or alleviate pain.
Take the child to the hospital right away, even if they appear unhurt. Ensure a complete assessment by medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment. Although you will be more worried about the child, get a checkup for yourself and the other passengers too.
Keep your medical records safe as you will need them to validate your compensation claim.
Seek compensation from the negligent driver
You can get compensation for your injuries and damages if an accident occurs due to a negligent driver. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney to get an estimate for your compensation value.
Inform the lawyer about your child’s injuries as well because you can claim compensation on their behalf. Remember to preserve evidence from the accident spot as it can be valuable at this stage.
Essentially, it includes details of the vehicle that caused the accidents, photos of the location and your injuries, a copy of police records, witness details, and medical reports.
Car Accident With Kids – Monitor Kids Closely
Your little one may seem unscathed after a minor accident, but you must keep an eye on them. Look out for red flags that indicate a deep-seated injury like a concussion. Signs like loss of vision or double vision, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, and confusion require attention.
They may not surface immediately after the mishap or even during the initial medical assessment. Track the child’s health closely and seek a pediatrician’s advice if you notice something amiss.
Give attention to mental well-being
You must also be concerned about the mental well-being of the child after the accident. Kids are susceptible to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a mishap, just like adults. Look out for signs such as changes in eating, sleep or play patterns, headaches, dizziness, and loss of concentration.
They indicate mental health issues you should not overlook. Talk to the child and offer reassurance to help them deal with the trauma. Consider counseling support to ensure that the kid overcomes the phobia of being on the road and resumes normalcy.
An accident with a child on board is the worst thing for a parent. But collisions happen due to unavoidable reasons and negligence of other drivers.
The best way to deal with the situation is by staying calm and focusing on the child’s health. Seek treatment and offer support to ensure that the accident does not scar the little ones for a lifetime.
