Child Pedestrian Accidents

    PHOENIX, AZ, May 14, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A child pedestrian accident can happen in an instant. Your child could be the victim of a careless motorist or drunk driver and suffer numerous physical and mental consequences. Because of their small weight and frame the injuries to a child involved in one of these accidents can be devastating. According to Safe Kids USA, in 2002 there were more than 43,300 children ages 14 and under who were treated in hospital emergency rooms for pedestrian related accidents. An Arizona personal injury attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve to help pay for the thousands of dollars in medical costs, physical therapy or even funeral costs.

There are many types of injuries that can be the aftermath of a child pedestrian accident. These injuries can be fatal or can be the cause of lifelong health struggles. Some of these injuries include:

Types of Injuries

• Brian injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Disfigurement
• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Abrasions
• Bruising
• Inflammation and Swelling
• Paralyzation
• Coma
• Nerve damage/ psychological damage

While children have the tendency to run into streets unknowingly or sometimes not follow traffic laws obediently, the fault may not be completely your child's. Many factors can go into your child being a victim of a child pedestrian accident. Some of these factors include:

Causes of a Child Pedestrian Accident

• Speeding motorists
• Drunk driving
• not following school zones
• not following driving safety guidelines
• disregarding weather conditions
• faulty car parts
• distracted while driving

Your child should not have go through such a traumatic and painful experience if it was caused by the lack of care by another driver. It is important to ensure that your child has prior knowledge about pedestrian safety. Some rules for children by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services include:

Child Pedestrian Safety Rules

• Ensure that a child walks with an adult till the age of ten.
• Only cross in front of a school bus when the driver says that it is safe.
• Always walk on a sidewalk, if there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street facing oncoming traffic.
• Cross the street at a corner where there is a street walk, and obey all traffic laws.
• If you walk when it is dark, wear light colored clothes or reflective material so drivers can see you, a flashlight is also a good idea.
• When a pet or toy goes into the street, ask for an adult for help with getting it back.
• If you are playing outside, play in the backyard or playground area and avoid the street or parking lots.

Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer

Regardless of how well you may teach your children the rules of safety, a child pedestrian accident can occur at anytime. Child pedestrian accidents are not uncommon in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and surrounding areas, so if your child has been a victim you should discuss your options for compensation with an Arizona personal injury attorney as soon as possible. For more information: www.solomonrelihan.com

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