Even though motor vehicles are safer than ever, car accidents remain a leading cause of injury for young passengers. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, upwards of 63,000 children suffered injuries in car accidents in 2020 alone. That year, more than 600 kids died in car crashes.
Strapping child passengers into size-appropriate car seats is one of the more effective ways to protect them during a serious crash. Car seats cannot protect all children from traumatic brain injuries, however, even if they do lower the risk. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know your child has a TBI.
Vocabulary limitations
Even though most babies say their first words before they are 18 months old, it takes years for kids to develop a usable vocabulary. If you have young children, your kids may not be able to put pain or discomfort into words. Therefore, you may have to watch for developmental delays to know whether your son or daughter might have a TBI.
Developmental milestones
TBIs can cause kids to develop more slowly than their peers. Consequently, if your child hits his or her head during a car accident, you should pay close attention to his or her ability to reach developmental benchmarks. These may include any of the following:
- Speaking
- Walking
- Potty training
- Reading
- Learning
Diagnosing and effectively treating a pediatric brain injury can be expensive propositions. Ultimately, by pursuing financial compensation for your child’s injuries, you can be certain you have the resources you need to obtain top-level care.