Car seat safety after a crash

On Behalf of | Jan 26, 2023 | Car Accidents |

Parents of younger children want to keep their precious little ones safe. Having a suitable car seat or infant carrier for your child can help with this. In fact, car seats are mandated by law.

One thing that some parents don’t think too much about is what happens to the car seat if it’s involved in a crash. The answer is that it depends on the severity of the car crash.

Do you need to replace the car seat after a crash?

If a car crash is considered moderate or severe, the car seat has to be replaced. A car seat can continue to be used after a minor crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines a minor crash for the purpose of car seat replacement as one in which each of the following is true:

  • Air bags didn’t deploy
  • Nobody in the vehicle was injured
  • No visible damage on the car seat
  • Door closest to the car seat wasn’t damaged
  • Vehicle could be driven from the scene

It’s possible that manufacturers may have stricter criteria for when a car seat can be used after a crash. If you have any doubts about the safety of a car seat after a wreck, it’s best to replace it so you can ensure you’re providing the best crash protection possible to your child.

Another consideration for parents who are involved in a car crash is how to handle the financial impact. If the wreck was the result of another person’s negligence, you may opt to pursue a claim for compensation. This must be done quickly because California has time limits for these cases.