Children are one of the most valuable assets we have and, as a society, it is up to us to protect them. That is why there are many safety laws and rules in place to govern their proper care and protection. Unfortunately, according to reports from the Arizona Department of Health Services, more than 50% of the child deaths that occurred in 2009 were as a result of unintentional injuries. The most common cause of the preventable childhood injuries and deaths in the state of Arizona was car accidents, followed by unintentional drowning and suffocation.
Despite laws in place requiring that children be properly restrained while traveling in a motor vehicle, more than 10% of children in Arizona regularly ride unrestrained. In fact, an estimated 60% of the children who died in 2009 car accidents were not using any form of restraint. Of those children who are in child safety seats, it is estimated that more than 85% of those seats are either incorrectly installed or used. An extremely disappointing statistic, especially considering the fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that properly installed and operated infant child safety seats are 71% effective in reducing fatalities during a car accident. Toddler safety seats have been shown to be at least 54% effective and booster seats are 59% more effective than safety belts alone.
There is no question that being involved in any type of accident can be a very traumatic experience. When an accident involves a minor child, the impact is even more devastating. If you or a loved one has a child that has been seriously injured or killed in a car accident in Sierra Vista or Cochise County, we recommend you consult with a skilled personal injury attorney at our firm right away. For more than 25 years our firm has been representing clients in a range of car accident cases. We are known for our dedication and commitment to our clients and to fighting aggressively on their behalf to see they receive the compensation they are rightfully owed. When you contact us, we will be able to review the circumstances surrounding the accident, analyze the incident reports, evaluate witness statements and advise you on how to proceed.
Contact the Law Office of Perry Hicks today in order to discuss your legal rights and find out how we can help you.