After experiencing a car accident with your child in the car, your main goal is to make sure they are safe and unharmed. However, before you place them in the same car seat, make sure if you need to replace the car seat to ensure your child’s safety. Continue reading to learn why you should replace your child’s car seat after a collision.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests replacing car seats after moderate or severe car accidents and following up on the car seat manufacturer’s instructions. However, how do you determine if your car accident warrants getting a new car seat?
Minor collisions can be described as the following:
- The vehicle was still drivable after the accident.
- The door closest to the car seat was not damaged.
- None of the passengers were injured.
- The airbags didn’t go off during the crash.
- There is no visible damage to the car seat.
You may not want to purchase another car seat due to your child being almost of age, but the state of Georgia has specific laws on car seats.
Under Georgia Law:
- All children under the age of 8 who are shorter than 57 inches must ride in the back seat of the car.
- Children under the age of 8 must ride in a car seat or booster seat that is suitable for their age and size.
- If the car does not have a back seat, a child under the age of 8 is allowed to sit in the front as long as they are properly in a car seat or booster seat and the child weighs at least 40 pounds.
Besides the law, a child utilizing a car seat is for their overall safety when riding in a vehicle. Due to a child’s size, a seatbelt alone will not keep them as safe in the event of a car accident. You should be upgrading their car seats as they get older to make sure it will protect them properly. If you continue to use a car seat or booster seat that is damaged, your child’s safety is at risk if you were to get into another car accident.
If you were not at fault in the accident and need to replace your car seat, an insurance company should approve the cost if it is a part of the claim. To include the car seat in the claim, you will need proof of receipt, photos of the damaged car seat, the serial number, and the expiration date.
If you believe you have suffered a personal injury where another party could be held liable, you should contact a personal injury attorney. Our attorneys at Hasty Pope are here to represent you in the process of receiving damages so you can focus on recovering. To discuss a potential case, schedule a consultation with us today.
Sources:
https://samandashlaw.com/blog/replace-child-car-seat-after-an-accident/
https://help.gracobaby.com/s/article/Do-I-need-to-replace-my-car-seat-after-an-accident
https://www.herrmanandherrman.com/blog/replace-car-seat-after-accident/
https://saferide4kids.com/blog/restraints-after-crash/
https://consumer.georgia.gov/child-car-seats