Los Angeles is a dangerous place to drive, and fatal traffic accidents are on the rise. Even more shocking, many crashes involve death and severe injuries for children.
There are more than 55,000 traffic collisions in LA in an average year, a level that has gotten worse since the early 2000s despite numerous public safety improvements. There’s just something about LA streets and LA drivers that creates a dangerous mix.
Children Are Most Vulnerable in Car Crashes
As adults, we accept the risks of getting behind the wheel. We weigh the benefits against the fear of being in an accident and — consciously or not — decide hopping in the car is the best way to get around.
But how often do you think about LA car accidents as you’re strapping your child into a car seat? Do you think about the risk of an accident when you allow your adolescent to ride in the front seat for the first time?
The unfortunate truth is that children are at high risk of injury and death in car accidents. Their small bodies aren’t as well-protected as adults’, even when safely strapped in or even using a car seat.
The CDC reports that the leading cause of accidental death in children age 5 to 19 is automobile accidents. Every year in the U.S., more children in this age group die from riding in a car than drowning, accidentally suffocating, or taking dangerous falls.
Here in LA, car crashes are one of the top causes of severe injuries in older teens age 15 to 19. As children approach driving age and become licensed drivers, their youth and inexperience contribute to life-threatening accidents.
Tech Advances Are Saving Lives
Thankfully we have access to new technology that’s helping protect our children from Los Angeles car accidents. The humble car seat has been around for decades, but modern improvements and technological advances have made them safer than ever.
Modern car seats and booster seats for older children are so effective that they reduce the risk of death and serious injuries by 71% in children age 1 to 4 and by 45% for those who are 5 to 8. In a typical car accident, a brand-new car seat is almost indestructible.
In-car technology is also preventing vehicle drivers from hurting children around them. Backup cameras are preventing cars from pedestrians. Lane monitors are preventing sideswipes. Self-braking systems are stopping cars before they hit kids on bikes.
But even if you use all the latest gadgets, and even if you’re the most cautious driver ever to ride the 405, you can’t always protect your precious cargo from the carelessness or recklessness of others. Children are constantly vulnerable to the actions of adult drivers.
Distracted Driving Puts Children at Risk
Did you know 94% of all road accidents are due to driver error? And when drivers are distracted, they’re even more prone to making errors than usual.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that distracted driving contributes to more than 3,000 fatalities and 420,000 injuries every year. In LA, we see the results of distracted driving up close on our streets and highways.
How many times have you spotted another driver texting, talking on their cellphone, arguing with somebody in the passenger’s seat, smoking, eating, or even reading while behind the wheel? That’s not something you want to see — especially when you have your kids in the car with you!
Protect Your Kids Before and After an Accident
No matter how safely you drive, the odds are that you’ll be in a car accident at some point. Maybe it will just be a minor fender-bender; for a more severe crash, you’ll need a Los Angeles car accident lawyer.
After the accident, you can protect your family by making the smart financial and legal choice to start an accident claim. A high-value award can cover car repairs, lost days of work, your kids’ medical bills, and more.
Starting an accident claim can be the best way to maintain a stable home life after a negligent driver hits you. Don’t let legal worries distract you from being the best parent you can be. Call 833-SALLY-LA or start a free online case consultation now with Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers.
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus on Your Life
After a personal injury, contact the attorneys at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of the law, including Los Angeles car accidents that involve children. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering while we handle the legal details. We truly care about the people of California. Contact us today for a free online case evaluation.