Motor Vehicle Accidents Are Still a Major Source of Child Deaths, says Department of Health

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 21, 2011

The Washington Department of Health collects data on injuries suffered by Washington residents each year, sorting information according to factors such as age, type of injury, location, and other variables. Recent reports indicate that, despite improvements in child seat safety and overall vehicle safety, car accidents still claim the lives of many Washington residents ages 17 and younger each year.

According to the Department of Health, a total of 170 children lost their lives to unintentional accidents of various kinds from 2005 to 2009. Older children ages 15 to 19 were most likely to lose their lives in car accidents; a total of 49 teens died in this way in recent years, compared to only 11 children ages 1 to 14.

However, motor vehicle accidents were also a major cause of death among younger children. In the 10-14 age group, three children lost their lives from 2005 to 2009 in car accidents, the same number that died in pedestrian accidents. In that same time period, five children ages 1 to 9 were also killed in motor vehicle accidents while they were riding in the car.

Parents strive to keep their children safe and healthy. When an accident takes a child’s life, the burden the family must bear can be overwhelming. At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., we understand the unique loss faced by a family that has lost a child due to a car accident, and we strive to uncover the causes of the accident and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions so that families have the time and space they need to honor the memory of their loved one.

If a child you love has been injured or lost in a car accident, call us today at (888) 228-3860 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Washington child car accident attorneys.