Posted on Wednesday, June 5th, 2019 at 11:32 pm    

The stories are heartbreaking. A parent or caregiver left a child in a vehicle by accident, or a child was able to get into a car without a parent’s knowledge. The heat in the car quickly rises, which can cause the death of the child. Hot car deaths throughout the United States are a serious matter that needs to be discussed and addressed.

How Many Children Die in Hot Vehicles Each Year?

Approximately 38 children died each year in hot vehicles in the U.S. In 2018, 52 children lost their lives in hot vehicles, the highest number of deaths on record in the past 20 years. It is estimated that 800 children have died since 1998 from being left in or trapped in vehicles.

Over one-half of the children who die from vehicular heatstroke are forgotten by their parents or caregivers. They are left in the vehicle unintentionally. Slightly more than a quarter of the deaths result from a child gaining access to a vehicle.

It does not take long for the temperature inside a parked vehicle to increase to deadly levels. Even vehicles parked in shaded areas with the windows cracked can still become too hot for a child to survive. In just 10 minutes, the temperature in a motor vehicle can increase to 104 degrees when it is 85 degrees outside. In another 10 minutes, the temperature in the vehicle increases to 114 degrees. When the temperatures outside reach 90 degrees, it takes just 10 minutes for the temperature in the vehicle to reach 109 degrees.

What Can You Do to Prevent Vehicular Heatstroke?

If you see a child locked in a vehicle or trapped in a vehicle, call 911 and follow the instructions provided by the emergency operator.

As a driver and caregiver, you can take steps to ensure you do not forget when a child is in your vehicle. Some tips for avoiding hot car fatalities include:

  • Keep a large stuffed animal or doll in your child’s car seat or back seat. When a child is in the rear seat, place the stuffed animal or doll beside you in the front seat as a reminder.
  • Remove your shoe and leave it in the back seat. You can also leave keys, cell phones, wallets, bags, and other items you will need when exiting the vehicle.
  • Make it a habit to open the back doors and check for passengers for locking the vehicle.
  • Always lock your vehicle so children cannot gain access while you. Store your car keys where children cannot locate or get the keys.
  • Use technology to prevent hot car deaths.
  • Set the alarm on your cell phone for the time your child should reach school, daycare, or other activities. The alarm reminds you to double check to ensure that you did not leave your child in the vehicle by accident.

One of the most serious mistakes you can make is to believe that this could never happen to you. All adults need to be aware of the risk of vehicular heatstroke and take steps to reduce the chance a child will die in a hot car.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento County

If you need help with an injury claim or you have questions about a personal injury case, schedule a free consultation with a Sacramento personal injury attorney by calling The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.