Passengers do not have any control over the operation of a vehicle. They are at the mercy of the driver and other motorists on the road. Unfortunately, passenger injuries are common and can be deadly.
Young children are especially vulnerable to injuries caused by a car accident. Our passenger safety lawyer at the Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers works with parents and caregivers to recover compensation for children injured in a motor vehicle accident.
We have over 28 years of experience representing accident victims in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Contact our law firm by calling at (954) 287-0566 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer. You are not under any obligation to hire a lawyer.
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How Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Injured as a Passenger in a Car Accident
When you or your child is injured in a car crash, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
With almost 30 years of experience handling accident claims, our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney is prepared to fight for you and your child’s rights to fair compensation.
We have successfully recovered multi-million dollar results in cases for clients.
Let us work to get you the maximum compensation available in your case.
When you hire our legal team, you can expect us to:
- Perform a complete accident investigation to determine how the crash occurred
- Identify all liable parties
- File insurance claims and pursue fair car accident settlements
- Keep you updated on the progress of your case
- Handle all aspects of your case, including communications and negotiations with the insurance company
- File a personal injury lawsuit when necessary for motor vehicle crashes
Contact our law office now for your free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer.
How Common Are Passenger Injuries?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,915 passengers died in traffic accidents in 2018. Approximately 681,000 passengers were injured in traffic crashes.
The CDC reports that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of childhood fatalities. In 2018, 636 children under the age of 13 died in car crashes in the United States. More than 97,000 children were injured in traffic accidents.
Overview of Passenger Safety
Because crashes are the leading cause of death for many children, passenger safety is essential for young children. Child safety seats and restraints protect children from injuries and fatalities in a car wreck. Seat belts and airbags protect adults from injuries and death in an accident.
What Are Common Causes of Passenger Injuries?
Driver error and negligence is a common cause of passenger injuries. Distracted, intoxicated, speeding, drowsy, and reckless drivers place their passengers and other passengers in other vehicles in danger of injuries and death.
However, failing to use proper safety restraints can also be a factor in a passenger’s injury. In 2018, about one-third of the children under 13 who died in a car accident were not adequately restrained. In 2017, it was estimated that 2,549 lives could have been saved if people wore a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Increasing Passenger Safety with Adequate Restraint Systems
Passenger safety begins by wearing a seat belt when you are in a vehicle. Young children should ride in car seats or booster seats appropriate for their weight and height. A car seat or booster seat needs to be installed correctly to provide adequate passenger safety for children.
You can visit the Safe Kids Worldwide website to find a location where a child passenger safety technician can check if your child’s car seat or booster seat is properly installed. You may also search for a certified safety check station in Florida through the FHSMV website.
Restraint systems for younger children are not sufficient in a front seat. An airbag or seat belt could injure them. Children should ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years of age.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Lack of Passenger Safety
The use of a rear-facing car seat, a front-facing car seat, or a seat belt may prevent most passenger injuries. However, a lack of passenger safety features can increase the risk of traumatic and life-threatening injuries.
Common passenger injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head and neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Severe burns
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Seat belt injuries
Filing an injury case can help you recover compensation for your injuries and other damages. Damages caused by a car accident include pain and suffering, loss of income, medical expenses, and permanent impairments.
Who is Liable for Passenger Injuries in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The driver who caused the traffic accident is liable for damages and injuries sustained by passengers. Passengers of any vehicle involved in a car crash can file claims against the at-fault driver for damages, including the at-fault driver’s passengers.
However, there could be other parties liable for passenger injuries. If a passenger safety device malfunctioned or was defective, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws. Defective airbags, seat belts, and child safety seats could contribute to passenger injuries.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Law Firm For a Free Consultation
Passenger safety is an important part of a car accident claim. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys investigate the cause of your injuries to identify all parties who might be liable for your claim. Call us now to schedule your free consultation with a passenger safety lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.
Other Car Accident Cases We Cover
Our car accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale handle all types of auto claims:
- Rear-end crashes
- Pothole accidents
- Single-vehicle accidents
- U-turn accidents
- Head-on crashes
- Red and yellow light accidents
- Intersection crashes
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rollover accidents
- U-turns accidents
- Left turns accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes