Children as Car Accident Victims:

Each year children of all ages are victims of automobile accidents, suffering numerous types of injuries. It is important to realize that children suffer the same types of injuries as adults, they just may not be able to articulate their injury. In many cases even though they are in their child seat, that can't keep them injury free. Depending on the age of the child, you may have to watch for secondary symptoms to make sure the child is not injured.

Things to look for in younger children are:

• Irritability
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Excessive sleeping
  
• Blood in the urine or stool
  
• Changes in their daily routine
  
• Changes in their normal moods or emotions.

Older children are much more likely to exhibit the signs and symptoms of adults as outlined elsewhere in this site.

Parents should also be aware of the possibility for injuries caused by airbags and the restraint system (seat belt and shoulder harness).