Should I Buy Another Car Seat After a Car Accident?
Parents have a lot of expenses. They have to pay for food, shelter, amenities, childcare, and many other necessities. Often parents have to decide what items or activities that a child must live without in order to afford the child’s necessities. One thing parents should never forgo is purchasing a new car seat after a car collision. Today I’ll explain why it’s so important to replace a child car seat after a car accident.
When to Replace a Child Car Seat
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), parents “should always replace a child’s car seat after a moderate or severe crash.” Car seats do not have to be replaced after minor traffic accidents, such as fender benders. The NHTSA says the following must be true in order to classify an accident as minor:
- 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
- There is no visible damage to the car seat.
If you’re still unsure on whether you need to replace a child car seat, then consult your car seat manual or contact the car seat manufacturer. The manufacturers tested the car seats before they were released to the public. Therefore, they will have the greatest insight on how much force and/or circumstances that could render the car seat unusable.
Will My Insurance Cover Child Car Seat Replacement?
Most car insurance companies will reimburse you if you purchase a new car seat. You will have to provide a receipt for the new car seat and proof that the child was in a collision. Some car insurance companies also require a recommendation for replacements from the car seat manufacturer. This can be done by submitting the pertinent part of the car seat manual or a letter from the manufacturer.
What Should I Do With a Damaged Car Seat?
Lastly, do not reuse, sell, or give the car seat that was in the collision to another parent. We don’t want another child to be harmed due to a damaged car seat. Some retailers, such as Target, accept damaged child car seats for trade-in. This allows you to get credit for a replacement. Many cities have recycling programs for car seats damaged after an accident. If your city does not, then consider using a mail-in recycling service.
Contact Patterson Legal Group
Hopefully this blog has given you insight into why you should replace a child car seat after an accident. There are so many things to think about following a car wreck and getting a new car seat might not be at the top of your list. However, for the safety of your child, I urge you to make it a priority. If you’re having trouble getting compensation from your insurance company or believe that they’re pressuring you into accepting a low settlement then contact Patterson Legal Group immediately.
Patterson Legal Group has more than 75 years of combined experience successfully representing injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. In addition to a track record of winning superior settlements, our staff works hard to make sure that our clients are treated with compassion and respect. Our firm offers free consultations and works on a “no win, no fee” basis, which means that you do not pay a dime unless money has been recovered on your behalf.
You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at (888) 687-2400. You can also connect with us online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Contact us today and you’ll quickly find out why Patterson Legal Group is one of the most trusted personal injury law firms in the Midwest.
