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Are Car Accidents the Leading Cause of Child Injury and Death?

What is the leading cause of death in the United States among children and young adults? It’s not swimming pool drowning, illnesses or other similar hazards. The major cause of death among this young age group is motor vehicle-related injuries. That means that the greatest risk facing children in Southern California is car accidents.

More than 41,000 Americans are killed each year in auto accidents, not to mention the 3.5 million people who suffer nonfatal injuries from motor vehicle crashes. It has also been estimated that nearly 500,000 hospitalizations and 4 million emergency room visits result from these collisions. Many of these accident victims are children and young adults.

One recent story reflects the danger that young children face when riding in the car. Fox News had reported that a toddler boy was tragically injured in an Encino auto accident on the 101 freeway. The 2-year-old was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

While our hearts break to hear this type of story, it makes you wonder what can be done to help protect children from crash-related injuries. The Task Force on Community Preventative Services gave numerous recommendations, which were published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, Volume 21, Number 4S. Some of these recommendations are summarized below:

• Increase the use of child safety seats
• Increase safety belt use
• Reduce the amount of drunk driving
  

According to the Task Force, these recommendations can be utilized to promote the adoption, maintenance or strengthening of state or national laws or regulations.

If your child has been injured in a car accident in Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego that was caused by the other driver, you should contact Steinberg & Spencer Injury Lawyers at (800) 350-8888. We represent injury cases throughout California and have offices statewide.

Contact us today for information regarding your legal rights.

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