Florida Car Crashes and Child Car Seats, What To Be Aware Of
Being in a car crash can be terrifying, and having your family in the car can add to stress and worries. If children were in the car when you were in an accident, you may be unsure if you should replace the child car restraints and booster seats. Each situation is unique. After all, some collisions are minor and others are severe.
In the past, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommended always replacing child car seats. Though their guidelines have been changed, many choose to replace the car seats to be sure they are safe.
If you are wondering how to move forward after a car crash, legal help is available. And there may be intricacies you are not aware of. For example, the costs of replacing car seats are likely covered. A Florida personal injury lawyer can assess your situation and walk you through your compensation options.
When to Replace Child Car Seats
The short answer is if you have any concerns about the safety of a child car seat, replace it. This is true after a collision and in any other circumstance. Safety is essential when navigating Florida roads and highways.
The NHTSA does report that sometimes car seats can be kept when a collision is minor, but in order for a crash to be minor all of the following must apply.
- Driver was able to drive away from the event without issue.
- The doors of the vehicle were not damaged in any way.
- There were no injuries to vehicle occupants.
- Airbags were not deployed during the accident.
- Looking over the seat, no issues were noticed.
When looking at a car seat, damage could be seen in a variety of ways. There could be breaks in stitching, torn webbing, cracks, or breaks. In many instances, simply choosing to replace the seat or booster is advised. Keep in mind that crash damage is not always seen by the naked eye. Some damage could be hidden.
Payment for New Car Seats
If you are seeking damage recovery after a car crash, connect with a Florida personal injury lawyer to learn how to strengthen your claim. Coverage is likely available for medical expenses and property damage, including the replacement of child car seats and boosters. Replacement seats do not need to be the same model and size. Because kids grow, often the safest replacement seat option is another type or size.
When getting rid of an old seat, look into local recycling programs. Car seats are not eligible for donations due to safety concerns.
Were you in a car accident while your children were in the car? Compensation could be an option. Talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible to strengthen your case. When another is negligent, you are not responsible for all of the fees connected to an accident. With over 100 years of combined experience, the personal injury lawyer at Roman & Roman to understand your rights. Schedule your free consultation today in Clearwater, Hudson, or Tampa.
