Major Car Seat Recall
You did your research, and you read every review before choosing a car seat to protect your child. However, your child’s car seat may be on this list of recalled car seats released by the NHTSA. At least 16 car seat models have been recalled for failing to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. These car seats could increase the risk of injury for infants and children in a car accident. Major manufacturers like Evenflo and Graco are on the list.
The most current list of child seat recalls can be found on the SaferCar website. You can also search for seat car recalls by brand name and model on the NHTSA website.
Seat Cars Save Lives and Prevent Injuries
According to the Motor Vehicle Safety Fact Sheet provided by SafeKids Worldwide, motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for children. In 2014, the number of children killed in motor vehicle accidents increased by two percent to 2,912. In twenty-six percent of the deaths sustained by children eight years and under, the child was not riding in an age-appropriate restraint or restrained by a seat belt.
California Child Seat Laws
Under the current California child seat laws, all children under two years of age must ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child is 40 or more inches tall or weighs 40 pounds or more. Children under eight years old must ride in the back seat. However, children who are eight years of age or four feet nine inches tall or taller may ride in the back seat wearing a seat belt instead of being secured in a car seat or booster seat. Children 16 years of age and older are subject to California’s Mandatory Seat Belt law.
While California law does not address when a child can switch from a car seat to a booster seat, parents are encouraged to research the matter to determine the safest option for their child. The CHP suggests resources for information including:
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Videos and Information: Car Seat Safety by Ages
- American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations, Video, Rear Facing to Two Years of Age
- California Department of Public Health, Car Seat Basics, Choosing and Using a Car Seat
- SafeKids Worldwide, Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Car
- AAA – When is my Child Ready for a Booster Seat?
What Should I Do If My Child Is Injured in A Car Accident?
Your first priority is to get medical attention for your child. Even if you do not believe your child is seriously injured, it is always best to have your child checked by a physician to ensure there are no head injuries or internal injuries.
After seeking medical attention, it is time to protect your child’s legal right to receive compensation from the party responsible for his or her injuries. This party could be the other driver, the vehicle manufacturer, a car seat manufacturer, or another party. It is important to identify the liable parties as soon as possible.
Our Fresno car accident attorneys can help you fight for your child’s right to recover compensation for damages. Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000or use the contact form on our website to schedule your free legal consultation with a Fresno car accident attorney.
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