Many things can happen after a car accident in Maryland. Depending on the severity of the accident, you could sustain life-threatening injuries. Even in minor crashes, the consequences can also be devastating. As such, having a Maryland car accident lawyer to get compensation on your behalf may provide some relief for you.

Apart from physical injuries, you may sustain some mental or psychological trauma due to the accident. Many times, these mental injuries may last for extended periods and alter your lifestyle. While mental injuries are challenging for everyone, they can be more distressing when it affects your child. So, if your kid was in the car during an accident, you may want to pay special attention to them.

One of the most common mental health challenges with child victims in a crash is PTSD. So, in this article, we’ll discuss how to detect if your child developed the disorder after a collision. You’ll also learn all you need to know about caring for a child with PTSD.

How Can I Reduce My Child’s Risk of Severe Injuries in an Accident?

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of unintentional child injury in America. It’s also the leading cause of death among children compared to other causes of accidental wounds. That’s why you must prioritize your child’s safety any time they go on a road trip.

Sometimes, you can still get in an accident even when you obey all the traffic rules. In such cases, you can significantly reduce your child’s risk of severe physical and mental  injuries in the following ways:

• Make Use of Restraints 

One of the most effective ways to ensure your child’s safety is to use age-appropriate seat restraints in the car. Use rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats for children under four years, 4-9 years, and 9-12 years. Be sure to install and use them properly too.

• Beware of Airbags 

Airbags help to prevent severe injuries in an açcident by preventing direct contact with the vehicle’s interior. However, it can be counterproductive when a child is involved and even cause their death.

• Make Them Seat at the Back

The safest and most appropriate car position for your children is the middle of the back seat. If your child is buckled in the middle of the backseat, they’ll be far away from the collision impact.

Does My Child Have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After a Traffic Crash?

It isn’t unusual for children to experience emotional distress after a traumatic event like a car accident. Sometimes, they could be signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. The type of PTSD symptoms your children may experience will usually depend on their age. You may watch out for these signs in your kids to be sure:

• Fear and Anxiety

A lot of children develop fear and anxiety after a car accident. You can detect this when they start getting frightened. Some children show signs of depression and may develop suicidal thoughts.

• Eating, Sleeping, and Attention Issues 

PTSD can drastically disrupt your kid’s eating and sleeping patterns. They may overeat, refuse to eat, sleep too much, or develop insomnia. In many cases, they may find it hard to concentrate or pay attention to school work.

• Acting Out of Control 

Children with PTSD may be irritable and get angry quickly. Unable to control their emotions, they may act out or exhibit dangerous behaviors.

How to Support a Child With PTSD 

There are many treatment options for children with PTSD.  So, you must see a medical doctor develop a suitable treatment plan for your child. You can also facilitate your child’s recovery by:

• Allowing them to talk about their traumatic experiences and assuring them of their safety
• Going back to their regular routines as much as possible
• Enrolling them in a trauma support group
• Understanding regressive symptoms and not punishing them
• Give them enough time to adjust and don’t treat them too differently from other children.

Call a Personal Injury Lawyer Now!

Did you or your child sustain injuries in a car accident in Maryland? If yes, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. Asides from that, if someone else caused the accident, you can ease your financial burden via a settlement claim.

If you’d like the most significant possible damages for you or your kid, our Maryland car accident lawyers are your best bet. At Pinder Plotkin LLC, we offer you nothing short of the best legal services in Maryland. We’ll evaluate your case and suggest the best solutions for you at no upfront costs. Call us today.