Most parents want to protect their children as much as possible. One way they can do this is by ensuring the children are in a car seat that’s properly installed. These special seats are designed for children. They absorb the impact and keep the child secure if you’re involved in a crash.
Car seats are built to fit children’s smaller bodies and provide the head, neck and spinal support that seat belts alone can’t offer. When used correctly, they reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Different stages of car seats are designed for different age groups and sizes, from rear-facing infant seats to forward-facing seats and eventually booster seats. Each transition is based on a child’s age, weight, and height—not just convenience. Using the right seat for the right stage offers maximum protection in the event of a crash.
Can you reuse a car seat after a crash?
In many cases, you can’t reuse a car seat after a crash. Any crash that’s categorized as anything other than minor would mean that the car seat needs to be replaced. It’s possible that the car seat suffered damage that isn’t visible. Even slight damage can mean the car seat won’t protect your child.
More serious car crashes can result in significant injuries, even if the child is in a car seat. If the other driver’s negligence was the cause of the crash, you may opt to pursue a compensation claim. The time to do this is limited by state law, so swift action is critical.