Were you in a car accident with your child? Learn more about when car seat replacement after an accident is necessary and when you should seek legal help for the damage caused by the accident.
When Should You Consider Car Seat Replacement After an Accident?
While it’s better to be safe than sorry, there are times when your vehicle sustains damage while nothing happens to the car seat (or the passengers) inside the car. Not all car crashes necessitate car seat replacement after accident damage. Look for the following warning signs before purchasing a new seat for your child:
- The seat is bent or broken in any way.
- The seat belt no longer fastens.
- The seat does not fit into your car like it used to.
How Do You Know Which Type of Crash You’ve Been In?
If you have never been in a car accident before, you may not know when it’s time for a car seat replacement after an accident. Learning the different classifications of crashes can help you determine what you need to do following the incident.
Minor Crash
According to the United States Department of Transportation, a minor crash does not destroy your car, but it can cause damage to the exterior. A “fender bender” typically qualifies as a minor crash.
In this type of incident, your airbags (if you have them in your car) did not deploy, and you were able to safely drive your car away from the incident. Car seat replacement after an accident like this is usually unnecessary.
Moderate Crash
A moderate crash affects the way your car works. This incident may have damaged the door, the frame, or an interior part of your car. You might still be able to drive it, but it’s usually not safe to do so without having it checked out by a qualified professional.
Your airbags likely deployed during this type of crash. Replacing a car seat after an accident like this may or may not be necessary. It depends on which part of the car was affected. For example, if the front of the car was crushed in an accident, the car seat in the back seat might be fine.
Severe Crash
A severe crash is typically when your car is “totaled” or damaged beyond quick repair. It’s crucial to check your car seat before placing it into a new vehicle as it could have also sustained severe damage even if your child was unharmed. Carefully check the entire seat — the foundation, the seatbelt, and the frame of the seat — before simply reusing it in a new car.
Do You Need a Car Seat Replacement After an Accident? Get Legal Help in Maricopa County
Surviving a crash, even a minor one, can leave you disoriented, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. Get in touch with Sargon Law Group to determine your next steps and make a plan for car seat replacement after an accident if you have any concerns about your child’s safety while riding in your car. We look forward to working with you and helping you resolve your case as soon as possible.