Adam Smith Law

702-929-2289

Do I Need to Replace My Child’s Car Seat After an Accident?

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During a car crash, your child’s safety seat absorbs some of the force of the crash and can be damaged or weakened, so that it will not provide the same level of protection in future accidents. The damage isn’t always visible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing car seats that have been involved in moderate to severe crashes, even if your child was not in the seat when it happened. Your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company should pay for the replacement. An experienced Las Vegas car crash attorney can help.

Is My Car Seat Still Safe After a Minor Crash?

According to the NHTSA, it is OK to keep using a car seat that has been involved in a minor crash. In order for your crash to be considered minor by the administration’s standards, all of the following must apply:

  • There were no injuries to any of the occupants of the vehicle
  • Air bags did not deploy
  • The door closest to the car seat was not damaged
  • The vehicle was able to be driven away from the scene of the crash
  • There is no visible damage to the car seat

Some manufacturers have more specific instructions for when a car seat needs to be replaced after a crash, so check with your car seat manufacturer for more details.

Who Pays for My New Car Seat?

Car seats are expensive and after an accident, the last thing you need is another expense. When your accident was caused by another driver’s negligence, they are responsible for all of the expenses they have caused, including replacing your car seat. The cost of a replacement seat should be included in your auto accident claim. Make sure you tell your attorney how much your replacement seat cost or will cost. A new seat may be more expensive than the seat that was damaged. Include a copy of the receipt for the new seat, as well as the brand and model number of the seat that was damaged.

If you have been injured in an auto accident and had to replace your car seat please call Adam Smith Law at 702-929-2289 to learn more about full compensation for all of your expenses and losses or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.