Do I Need to Replace My Child’s Car Seat After a Car Crash?

While a car crash has many ramifications, one effect that is often forgotten is the ramifications a car accident has on children’s car seats and safety devices. Depending on the impact of the car crash, and the amount of damage sustained by a car seat, a replacement may be necessary.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that parents replace their children’s car seats after a “moderate or severe car crash”. This precaution is meant to ensure that the child is protected in future crashes that may occur. The NHTSA does not recommend automatically replacing car seats following minor crashes and it defines a minor car crash as follows:

• “A minor crash is one in which ALL of the following apply:

• The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.

• The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.

• None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash.

• If the vehicle has airbags, the airbags did not deploy during the crash; and

• There is no visible damage to the car seat.”

Ensuring the safety of your child when they are riding in the car is essential, and being extra cautious, especially after a car crash, is never a bad idea. If you feel like even a minor car crash has left your child’s car seat impaired or no longer with complete protection, then replacement is a good idea.

Most importantly, if you or your children have sustained injuries due to a car crash—call the law firm of Abraham Watkins for a free consultation. It is imperative that you find a law firm to manage your claim as soon as possible following an injury or death of a family member in a car crash. Further, it is important to find a skilled law firm with experience handling these kinds of cases to ensure that the responsible parties are held fully accountable.

The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz, & Stogner is the longest-standing personal injury firm in Texas, and our attorneys are standing by to assist with your claim. Call us today at713-222-7211 or 1-800-594-4884 for your free consultation.