Child safety is paramount for parents and guardians, especially when traveling. With the number of vehicles on the road, parents must follow laws and protocols when transporting their children to ensure safety, such as having car seats.
The Role of Car Seats in Child Safety
Car seats offer a layer of safety that can make a difference to child passengers and are essential in lowering the risk of injury in a car crash. In this article, you will learn the importance of car seats in collisions and other important factors to keep kids safe in case of a car accident.
As parents, you must keep your children safe wherever they go. Getting to their destinations should also be a priority. Whether it’s a quick trip to the grocery store or a long drive, keeping children safe in vehicles is critical to preventing injuries and saving lives. One of the most effective ways to protect children while driving is to use adequate car or booster seats.
Car seats are made specifically to provide children with a safe and secure environment in an auto accident. They lessen the possibility of catastrophic damage by distributing the crash’s forces among the child’s strongest body components.
Being ejected from the vehicle due to the impact of a crash is one of the main reasons why children suffer catastrophic injuries and even death. Fortunately, car seats that are securely fastened also aid in preventing children from being ejected from the vehicle in a car crash.
In most, if not all, states in the United States, children up to a specific age, height, or weight are required by law to use a car seat. Following these regulations guarantees that kids are securely buckled in and safe when riding in a car.
When parents and other guardians use a car seat, they can have peace of mind when traveling, knowing that preventative measures are followed to ensure their children’s safety.
Choosing the Right Car Seat for Your Child
Choosing the correct car seat for your child is a crucial decision that will impact their safety when riding in a vehicle. With numerous alternatives, it is essential to consider several aspects to select the right car seat for your child’s height, weight, and age.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following seats should be considered depending on your child’s height and age:
- Rear-Facing Car Seats: Rear-facing car seats should be used for infants and toddlers younger than two years old. The delicate bodies of young children, particularly their heads and necks, are best protected by these seats in the case of a crash.
- Forward-Facing Car Seats: Children who are too big or too tall for a rear-facing seat should use forward-facing car seats with restraints. This applies to kids between two and five years old. Because the force of a crash is distributed over a larger area of the child’s body, these seats offer more protection.
- Booster Seats: Children who exceed the height or weight restrictions of the forward-facing seat or who are five to twelve should switch to booster seats. By raising the child to the proper height, booster seats lessen the chance of injury in a collision by ensuring that the seat belt across their lap and shoulder fits correctly.
- Seat Belts: A child can transition from a booster seat to utilizing the seat belt in the car once they turn twelve or become tall enough to fit comfortably in the seat belt (usually about 4’9″ tall). It is crucial to ensure the seat belt crosses the child’s neck or abdomen but fits securely across their lap and shoulder.
Installing a child’s car seat is also crucial in guaranteeing their safety when traveling. Follow the tips below to install a child seat in your vehicle correctly:
- Carefully read both the manual for the car seat and the manual for your car before installing.
- Select the proper location within the vehicle. Forward-facing seats can be positioned in the front or rear of the car, whereas rear-facing seats must be fitted in the back seat.
- Never use the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system and the seat belt to secure the seat at the SAME time.
- Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, ensure a rear-facing seat is reclined at the proper angle.
- Tighten the seat belt or LATCH straps to guarantee a firm fit and eliminate slack.
- Ensure the seat is securely installed by giving the base a firm tug. It should not shift in any direction more than an inch.
- Place the harness straps at or below the child’s shoulders for rear-facing seats. For forward-facing seats, place the straps at or above the shoulders.
- Ensure the chest clip and harness are securely fastened to the child’s body without being overly tight.
- Check if the car seat is still correctly placed by regularly inspecting it and making any required adjustments.
What Happens In a Car Accident Involving an Injured Child?
Despite ensuring a child’s safety, car accidents can still happen every day, endangering the safety of young passengers. In fact, auto crashes rank as one of the primary causes of fatalities among children aged 1 to 13.
If you are involved in a car accident resulting in injuries to you and your child, you may face significant challenges, such as financial stress, physical injuries, and emotional burdens. Fortunately, if the crash results from another driver’s wrongful actions, you can claim compensation for the damages you and your child sustained. This settlement will help alleviate the financial burden brought on by the collision.
However, you must prove that the other driver’s actions directly contributed to the car accident to make them liable for the damages. Generally, you can demonstrate negligence in an auto collision through these four key elements:
- The driver was responsible for ensuring that everyone was safe on the road.
- They failed to fulfill this duty.
- Their violation led to an accident.
- The car crash resulted in injuries and other damages.
Moreover, you can prove these factors with sufficient evidence, such as photos or videos of the accident, witness testimonies, and police reports. This is why you must gather evidence at the accident scene after the crash if you can.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Defend My Case?
Parents want the best for their children. In a car accident, this may mean that you need to hire a car accident lawyer. This is because attorneys know how to navigate the complexities of a car accident case to ensure that you get the compensation beneficial to your child’s recovery.
For instance, your family was traveling in Burbank when a drunk driver hit your vehicle. Due to the impact of the crash, all of you sustained significant injuries, hindering you from gathering evidence at the scene. To worsen the situation, the at-fault driver fled the scene without notifying the authorities. How will you receive compensation if you can’t locate the driver and don’t have evidence to support your claim?
The best personal injury attorney Burbank can offer will examine the facts of your case, use their resources to collect evidence, and determine the best legal actions to receive a settlement. A car accident lawyer can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping to alleviate stress and uncertainty during a difficult time for your family.
