Child Seriously Injured: Ejected Through Windshield in I-96 Crash
Child Seriously Injured when a 3-year-old was hurled through the windshield during a multi-vehicle crash on eastbound I-96 in Detroit, resulting in hospitalization and prompting renewed warnings about proper child restraints.
On Thursday, May 29, at approximately 9:40 a.m., Michigan State Police responded to a three-car collision at the junction of eastbound I-96 and the M-39 (Southfield Freeway) ramp.
Upon arrival, troopers discovered that a 32-year-old Detroit woman’s vehicle had collided with two other cars on the local lanes ramp, causing her backseat passenger—a 3-year-old child—to be forcefully propelled into the front windshield. The impact sent the child flying forward, striking the glass before sliding out onto the roadway.
Paramedics on scene worked swiftly to stabilize the young victim before transporting them to a nearby Detroit hospital. Fortunately, no other occupants of the three involved vehicles sustained life-threatening injuries, although several drivers and passengers were evaluated for minor cuts and bruises. Michigan State Police closed the ramp for several hours as accident investigators reconstructed the sequence of events, interviewed witnesses, and documented evidence.
According to Michigan State Police Lieutenant Mike Shaw, “Drivers are responsible for securing every passenger in their vehicle. Properly installing and using an age-appropriate child restraint system can be the difference between life and death. Every journey, every time, children must be buckled in correctly.” Lt. Shaw emphasized that even a brief lapse in attention, such as neglecting to secure a child seat, can have catastrophic consequences in a high-speed collision.
In the aftermath of this harrowing incident, it is crucial to understand the potential legal avenues available to victims and their families. Children who suffer severe injuries in vehicle accidents often face extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs. At Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, we recognize that families in these situations are confronted with mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about the future. We diligently pursue compensation that addresses:
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Medical Expenses: From emergency room visits and surgical procedures to ongoing physical therapy or specialized pediatric care, we work to recover costs so families are not burdened by overwhelming debt.
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Pain and Suffering: Beyond financial losses, children endure physical pain and emotional distress. We seek fair compensation for the trauma and diminished quality of life resulting from the collision.
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Future Care and Treatment: When an injury has lasting effects—such as cognitive impairment, mobility challenges, or chronic pain—we advocate for funds to cover lifelong medical needs, adaptive equipment, and counseling.
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Lost Future Earning Capacity: In cases where a child’s capacity to earn an income may be affected by their injuries, we calculate and pursue damages to secure their long-term financial stability.
Our experienced legal team at Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC, conducts a thorough investigation into every aspect of the crash. We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and child welfare specialists to build a compelling case on behalf of our clients.
By negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, bringing suit in civil court, we ensure that families receive the maximum compensation available under Michigan law. We understand the emotional toll these cases entail, and our compassionate attorneys maintain open communication, offering guidance at each stage of the legal process.
This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of using proper child safety seats and booster seats. Statistics indicate that child restraint systems, when correctly installed, reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers in passenger cars. Even with these proven benefits, caregivers sometimes overlook simple precautions, such as buckling the harness snugly or ensuring the seat is securely fastened to the vehicle’s anchor points.
As the injured child continues treatment, we extend our heartfelt hopes for a full recovery. We also encourage all drivers to remain vigilant and responsible while driving, especially when transporting young passengers. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for car seats, double-check the harness straps, and confirm that the headrests and buckles are properly positioned. It takes just a moment to prevent a lifetime of suffering.
Call us for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Please notify Mihelich & Kavanaugh, PLC for corrections if you identify any inaccuracies. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
