In 2005 in the United States, 1,335 children ages 14 and under died as occupants of motor vehicles in accidents and approximately 184,000 were injured as reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On average, 4 children die each day in motor vehicle accidents and more than 500 are injured.

The risk factors for these accidents are varied but could include the following:

• Alcohol: Approximately 25% of child occupant deaths in motor vehicle accidents involved alcohol and more than 66% of these fatalities involved children being in a vehicle with a driver who had been drinking.

• Front Seat Passengers: Children under the age of 16 who ride in the front seat of a motor vehicle have a 40% greater chance of being seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident than if they were sitting in the back seat.

• Not Using Booster Seats: Using a booster seat with children from 4 to 7 can reduce their risk of an injury by almost 60% compared to just using a seat belt.

• Being Incorrectly Restraint: Studies have shown that children who are correctly restrained using the proper restraint for their size, weight, and age are at a greatly reduced risk of sustaining a serious or fatal injury.

After your child is involved in a car accident, it is important that you get accurate and prompt legal advice. You need answers to your important questions so you take the necessary steps to develop your case.