Baby Critically Injured In Crash
A newborn baby was critically injured as a result of a hit and run crash after being ejected from the vehicle. The mother of the child was also injured in the accident in which their vehicle was struck by a a cargo van that did not stay at the scene. The baby was hospitalized for treatment of his injuries and his mother, though she suffered less severe injuries, is also still in the hospital.
Keep Them Buckled In – It’s The Law
Though specifics of this accident are sparse, it does give rise to consideration of child safety while riding in vehicles. Requirements for the usage of child and infant car seats are part of Florida law, and the details are set forth in Florida Code Section 316.613. In general, all children who are five years old or younger must be in a proper car seat or restraint while being transported in a vehicle and those older than five but under the age of 18 are required to be restrained by a seat belt. Narrow exceptions exist for medical issues or special circumstances, but for the most part this is applicable to every instance of transporting a child, from their first ride in a vehicle up until they reach adulthood. Those children too big for a car seat but not yet big enough to be properly secured by just a seat belt are required to ride in a booster seat. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all children under the age of 18 years old are properly secured by the appropriate restraint device while in their vehicle and failure to meet this obligation can result in a variety of fines, citations, and points on one’s driver’s license. Additional safety measures include keeping children in the back seat instead of the front seat, up to the age of 18 years old.
Seat Belts Laws Beyond Childhood
In Florida, laws requiring seat belt usage are applicable to others beyond the age of 18. In addition to the requirements for children, all drivers must be belted in, as well as front seat passengers. Again, certain narrow exceptions exist for specific medical reasons, but in general a failure to ensure everyone who is required to be buckled up is, in fact, buckled up can result not only in citations, fines and points but also in an increased likelihood of injury, should an accident occur.
Contact Boone & Davis If You Have Been Injured In An Auto Accident
Even when everyone follows the law regarding seat belt usage, when an accident happens, those involved are likely to suffer injuries. If you have been involved in an auto accident and have suffered injuries as a result, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is important to get the facts about your rights and responsibilities by speaking with an experienced auto accident attorney. At Boone & Davis, we have been helping auto accident victims recover for their losses for decades. Our Fort Lauderdale auto accident attorneys will work with you to review the facts of your case and develop a sound strategy for obtaining the best possible results. You deserve to have the best working on your side. Contact Boone & Davis either by visiting us online or calling us at 954.556.5260. Let us help you get the results you need today.
Resources:
flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/child-safety/
local10.com/news/crime/-22-day-old-boy-ejected-from-vehicle-after-hit-and-run-crash
