As a parent, nothing matters more than your child’s safety. But even the most cautious drivers can’t control the reckless actions of others on the road. Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of injury among children in California. At Hillstone Law, we’ve seen the devastating impact these accidents can have on families and we’re here to help you navigate both prevention and recovery.
Keeping Your Child Safe on California Roads
Whether you’re driving to school, running errands, or heading out on a family road trip, it’s important to stay alert and prioritize safety. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, thousands of accidents occur each year in counties across the state, many involving child passengers.
The most common contributing factors? Reckless driving and distracted behavior behind the wheel.
To protect your child while driving:
- Avoid speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving at all times.
- Stay focused don’t text, eat, or reach for objects while driving.
- Keep kids occupied with safe distractions like books, quiet toys, or snacks.
- Set boundaries let them know you can’t respond to non-urgent needs until you’re safely stopped.
- Have help if possible, ask another adult or older child to sit with younger passengers.
- Pull over safely before addressing any backseat issues.
The Right Car Seat Can Save a Life
Even the safest drivers can’t prevent every accident. That’s why proper child restraints are absolutely critical. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides updated guidelines on car seat use:
- Infants and toddlers: Rear-facing seat until age 2 (or until they exceed the weight/height limit).
- Toddlers and young children: Forward-facing seat with harness until at least 65 lbs.
- Older children: Booster seat until they’re approximately 4’9” tall usually between 8–12 years old.
- All children under 12: Should ride in the back seat it’s the safest place during a crash.
Properly installing and consistently using the right car seat dramatically reduces the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.
What To Do If Your Child Is Injured in a Car Accident
If your child has been hurt in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical costs, future care, emotional distress, and more. Insurance companies often downplay injuries in children or pressure families into fast, lowball settlements.
That’s where we come in.
At Hillstone Law, our experienced California auto accident attorneys will:
- Handle the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- Secure full and fair compensation for your child’s injuries
- Guide you through every legal step with care and compassion
Contact Hillstone Law Today
Your child’s future matters. If your child has been injured in a motor vehicle accident anywhere in California, don’t wait. Let us help you fight for justice.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, various public sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, we do not independently verify every detail, and some information may be outdated or subject to change. If you believe that any part of a post is inaccurate or subject to copyright, please contact Hillstone Law right away so we can review it and make any necessary corrections or remove the post. You may also submit a request for correction or takedown HERE.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and are not representative of any actual incident or individuals. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
