Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on December 9, 2014
Children Injured in Memphis Car Accident Weren’t Properly Restrained
A car accident in Memphis, Tennessee, Friday morning left two children in critical condition and three more under observation at a local hospital.
According to a report by wreg.com, the two children in critical condition range in age from 23 months old to 7 years old, while the children hospitalized for observation are seven months old, 3 years old, and 6 years old.
The driver of the car the children were riding in is being charged with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of aggravated child abuse and neglect, driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving without insurance, reckless driving, and driving without proper registration.
The crash occurred on Tchulahoma Road near Mackham Avenue. According to witnesses, the accident occurred when a grey SUV collided with another car and ended up in a ditch.
Witnesses also say the road is known for being dangerous, particularly during wet and rainy conditions, as it features narrow curves and trees that are hazardous for drivers.
Tips for Driving Safely with Children in the Car
At Matt Hardin Law, our Memphis car accident lawyers know how important it is for all children to be properly secured in vehicles at all times. Children are even more vulnerable than adults in car accidents and collisions, and that’s why seatbelts and proper car seats and booster seats are essential on every trip.
To help keep your children or any children who ride in your vehicle safe, follow these safety tips:
Using safety equipment, such as car seats and booster seats, is a great way to protect the children in your vehicle, but these devices may not be completely safe—especially if they don’t fit the children who use them. Make sure to replace safety equipment as your child outgrows it, as the proper fit is important to help prevent injuries in the event of an accident.
It’s common for children to use electronic devices in cars, such as handheld video game systems, built-in television and DVD players, and tablets. If your child uses any gadgets while you’re driving, give him or her headphones to help reduce or eliminate noises that could distract you from the road. And if your child is too disruptive while using electronics in the car, consider removing them from your vehicle altogether or only allowing them to be used after you’ve arrived at your destination.
Children under the age of 13 are at high risk of suffering severe injuries from front-seat airbags during car accidents. These airbags are designed to protect adults and deploy with high amounts of force that can cause severe head and neck injuries to young children whose bodies are still developing. Even minor, low-speed accidents that cause the vehicle’s airbags to deploy can be life-threatening for young children.
Whether you’re driving your children or your children are riding with someone else, keep these tips in mind at all times to make sure they are safe and secure on the road. And if you or your child were recently injured in a car accident that was caused by another person’s negligence, get in touch with the Memphis car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law. We have years of experience helping families get compensation for accident-related expenses like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call our legal professionals by dialing (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online consultation form. We’re here to help you move forward with your life.
