Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. How many children die in car accidents yearly? The statistics are stunning.
Many of these tragedies are preventable with a few safety measures, including responsible driving behaviors.
Car crashes should never happen, but unfortunately, they affect thousands of families every year.
Child Car Accident Fatalities in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, 711 children aged 12 and younger died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. Additionally, more than 63,000 children were injured in crashes that year.
Key statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) break down these numbers:
- 40% of child fatalities in crashes involved unrestrained passengers, meaning the child was not using a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.
- 25% of child passengers who died were in a vehicle driven by someone under the influence of alcohol.
While vehicle crashes remain a serious concern, the use of child restraints has been shown to reduce the risk of injury by 71 to 82% for young children. However, misuse or non-use of car seats is still an issue, which has led to countless preventable deaths each year.
What Contributes to Child Passenger Fatalities?
As stated, the lack or misuse of child restraints is a major factor in these fatalities. Car seats and seat belts are vital for child safety, but must be used correctly. Many fatalities occur because children are not properly buckled up or are in car seats that are not installed correctly.
Along with that, some factors affect both child and adult passengers, such as drunk driving. Nearly one in four child passenger deaths occurs in a crash where the driver has been drinking. Also, distracted driving puts everyone on the road, especially child passengers, in danger.
Larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks have higher rollover rates. As a result, they are more dangerous to certain smaller passengers, like children.
Who Is Responsible When a Child Is Hurt or Killed in a Car Accident?
Losing a child in a car accident is an unimaginable tragedy. For many families, the pain is compounded by the knowledge that it could have been prevented. When a child is injured or killed in a crash, one of the biggest questions parents ask is: Who’s responsible?
Often, there isn’t just one person or factor to blame. Several parties may have played a role in the accident.
Negligent Drivers
Many accidents happen because another driver made a careless or reckless decision.
Maybe they were speeding, texting, or driving under the influence. Whatever the case, their negligence put a child in danger. If drivers break traffic laws or behave irresponsibly, they can and should be held accountable.
The Driver of the Child’s Vehicle
Sometimes, the person responsible for a child’s safety is the one who fails to protect them.
If a parent, caregiver, or family member was driving at the time of the crash and didn’t properly secure the child, they could be held accountable.
Vehicle and Car Seat Manufacturers
We trust that our cars and car seats are designed to protect us. But sometimes, they don’t work the way they should. If a child was injured or killed because of a faulty seat belt, airbag, or car seat, the manufacturer might be to blame.
Poorly Maintained Roads and Unsafe Intersections
Not all accidents are caused by driver error. Sometimes, the road itself is the problem. If a crash happens because of potholes, missing traffic signs, or poorly designed intersections, the city or state responsible for maintaining the roads could be liable.
Employers of Commercial Drivers
If a child is injured or killed in an accident involving a commercial truck, rideshare vehicle, or bus, the company employing the driver may share responsibility. These businesses have a duty to hire safe drivers and maintain their vehicles. If they cut corners to save money, innocent passengers, especially children, pay the price.
What Can Families Do?
When a child is hurt or killed in a car accident, families have legal options. Depending on the situation, parents may be able to file:
- A personal injury claim if their child survives but suffers serious injuries.
- A wrongful death lawsuit if the accident results in the child’s death.
- A product liability claim if a faulty car seat, seat belt, or vehicle defect played a role.
These cases can help families recover compensation for medical bills, emotional suffering, and even funeral expenses.
Nothing is more heartbreaking than losing a child in a car accident, especially when it could have been prevented. While no lawsuit can bring a child back, holding negligent parties accountable can help prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
If your child was injured or killed in a vehicle crash, the team at Barrera Law Group LLC is here to help.