Car crashes pose serious risks to everyone involved, but children are especially vulnerable. Their smaller, developing bodies and unique physiology make them more prone to injuries that can have long-lasting effects. Understanding the types of injuries children may sustain in a motor vehicle collision is crucial to ensure they receive proper care and legal support.

If your child has been hurt in a car crash, it’s important to pursue full compensation. This money can cover medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and other costs related to the injury. Here’s an in-depth look at common injuries children may suffer in car crashes.

Why Are Children More Vulnerable in Car Crashes?

Children’s bodies and organs are still growing, making them more fragile compared to adults. Their bones are softer but also more susceptible to fractures that can disrupt growth. Their brains are not fully developed, increasing the risk of permanent cognitive and physical damage from trauma. Moreover, children may not be able to clearly communicate their pain or symptoms after a crash, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Head and Brain Injuries in Children

One of the most serious injuries children can suffer is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since young brains are still developing, even a mild concussion can have lasting consequences. Severe TBIs can cause:

• Developmental delays and learning disabilities
• Speech and language difficulties
• Problems with memory, attention, and processing information
• Sensory issues such as sensitivity to light or sound

Brain injuries can permanently alter a child’s life. While rehabilitation and therapy can help, some effects of a TBI may never fully resolve.

Broken Bones and Growth Plate Injuries

Fractures are common in children involved in car crashes. Unlike adults, children have growth plates at the ends of their bones, which are critical for normal bone development. If a growth plate is damaged or fractured, it can lead to:

• Uneven or stunted bone growth
• Permanent deformities or loss of function
• Increased risk of arthritis or mobility issues later in life

Because children’s bones are more pliable but still vulnerable, careful treatment is essential to avoid complications.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Impact

Although spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in children are less frequent than in adults, they can be devastating. Approximately 5% of all spinal cord injuries occur in children, often involving trauma to the neck (cervical spine). These injuries can cause:

• Partial or complete paralysis
• Loss of sensation or motor function below the injury site
• Long-term challenges with mobility and independence

Children with SCIs may face lifelong physical and emotional challenges, and their ongoing development makes recovery unpredictable.

Hidden Dangers: Internal Injuries

Car crashes can cause serious internal injuries that aren’t immediately visible. Children may suffer damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, as well as internal bleeding. Since children may have trouble describing their symptoms, internal injuries often go unnoticed until they become critical. Prompt medical evaluation after any crash is essential to identify and treat these injuries before they cause permanent harm.

Emotional Trauma and Psychological Effects

Physical wounds aren’t the only harm children may endure after a car crash. Emotional and psychological trauma can have profound effects on a child’s well-being. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes are common among young crash survivors. Because children may lack the emotional maturity to process the trauma, their pain and suffering can be severe and long-lasting.

New Mexico Legal Considerations

In New Mexico, children’s injury claims are treated differently from those for adults. Settlements of children’s accident claims should be submitted to a court for approval, even if the car crash case is resolved before a case is even filed. This is called a “minor settlement.” In that process, we file a special petition for court review, and we request that the court appoint what is called a “guardian ad litem,” a lawyer who is tasked by the judge to review the settlement details and submit a report telling the judge whether the settlement is fair to the child. If you accept a settlement without getting a judge to approve it, the settlement may be undone later.

Another important thing to consider when parents and children are both injured in a crash is whether to bring the child’s case at the same time as the adults or wait until we understand the long-term impact on the child. That is a discussion to have with your lawyer, who can explain all of the things to consider in making that decision. A child has until one year after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit for a crash-related injury in New Mexico, though the parents still have only three years to file.

Overview

Compensation claims should include non-economic damages for emotional distress and diminished quality of life, alongside medical expenses.

Seek Legal Help for Your Child’s Injuries: Contact a Santa Fe Car Accident Lawyer at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC

If your child has been injured in a car crash, the Santa Fe car accident lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC will guide you through every step of the legal process. Call 505-900-3559 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, we proudly serve clients in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.