If you’re the parent of a baby, you are likely to be constantly worrying about your child’s well-being. You worry about the child being injured by simply playing in his or her playpen or while sleeping, or worse, being injured in a car crash. The latter of these possibilities can be especially anxiety-provoking if the accident wasn’t your fault and the injuries to your baby are serious or even life-threatening.
Keep in mind that if you have been in a car accident with your baby, and he’s been injured, you need to contact the best personal injury attorney you can. Says the professionals at The Chopin Law Firm, a car accident lawyer New Orleans, after a car crash, it’s extremely important for an experienced and reputable law firm to advocate on your behalf to fight for the rights and compensation you deserve. After you deliver your baby, you might feel as though the safest thing to do is stay in your home for a few weeks or more.
That said, what are the crucial steps you need to take if your baby has been injured in a car wreck? According to a recent report by Today Parenting Team, after you deliver a baby, you might feel it’s best to stay in your home for a while. Some new parents will go to extremes and stay cooped up in their house for days or even weeks while learning how best to care for their baby and bond with him.
But inevitably, it becomes time for mother and child alike to get out of the house. You might need to run some badly neglected errands, go to a baby class, or even introduce your baby to his daycare facility. Of course, these tasks will involve driving your car. This is why, before you get behind the wheel, you should know what to do in case you happen to get into an accident with your baby or a small child strapped in a car seat in the backseat of the car.
What You Need to Do Immediately After an Accident If Your Baby is in the Car
Seconds after a crash, take a moment to breathe and assess your physical condition. Determine if you’re all right, slightly injured, or seriously injured. If your injuries turn out to be serious, do not try to move. Wait until help arrives on the scene. But if it’s possible to move, you must check on the condition of your baby.
Only remove the child from the car seat unless it’s absolutely necessary (if you smell smoke or notice an open flame, for instance). If the baby has suffered an injury in the accident, then he should be removed as carefully as possible from the car seat by a trained first responder.
Naturally, your baby will likely be upset and crying. However, this is an emotional reaction and not necessarily an indication of serious injury.
Place a Call to 911
As soon as you’ve evaluated your condition and your baby’s condition, use your cell phone to dial 911 for emergency assistance. Whether you and your baby are injured or not, it’s imperative that you notify the police. You need to have the first responders arrive at the scene of the accident as soon as possible to look over you and your child. You will also be required to fill out a police report.
When the Paramedics Arrive
Says Today Parenting Team, when the paramedics arrive, you must allow them to remove your baby from the car seat so they can perform a comprehensive examination. The paramedics are trained to look for injury, be it superficial or more serious. They will likely advise you if it’s safe to bring your child home or if he needs to seek out further treatment at a medical center emergency room.
Exchange Information
You will also need to exchange all your legal information with the driver of the other car. You should also take pictures of the accident scene. These are the necessary steps that will help you with your insurance claim, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault and you or your child have suffered injuries.
Once this is done, you need to contact the most reputable personal injury lawyer you can find who specializes in car crashes. They will represent you in a court of law and award you with the financial compensation you deserve so that you and your baby can heal properly without anxiety.
