September 23 through 29 is National Child Passenger Safety Week, and it's a perfect time to ensure you know some essential information about children's car seats. Overall, these seats have decreased the number of child deaths in motor vehicle accidents by as much as 43%. For children aged four to eight, safety seats have reduced the risk of serious personal injury by 45%. The evidence speaks for itself: Child safety seats work. Below is an overview of some important things to know about using safety seats.

Your Guide for Child Safety Seats

Guidelines for Safety Seat Usage

Always make certain you are following all applicable state laws, as well as manufacturer's instructions, for proper safety seat usage. In Ohio, all children below four years old or weighing less than 40 lbs. must sit in a safety seat while riding in a vehicle. After they have outgrown it, they then must transition to a booster seat until the age of 8 or the height of 4'9". Once either of these milestones has been reached, you can continue using the booster seat. If you choose not to, ensure your child is seat-belted in. Instilling good seatbelt habits will serve a child well for the rest of their life.

Be Aware of Safety Recalls

Manufacturers of child safety seats aim to design products that keep young passengers safe. Sometimes, however, design or manufacturing flaws can cause a company to issue a recall of a defective and potentially dangerous seat. Be aware of any open recalls on the model you are using. One way to do this is to check in with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's open recall list. Also, registering the seat with the manufacturer and giving them your contact information will usually keep you informed of any recall notices.

In the Event of Injury

If your child suffered a personal injury because of a defective safety seat, explore your legal options. Many personal injury attorneys represent victims in defective product cases, and they work to get their clients compensation for the costs associated with the injury. A lawyer will advocate for their client's rights, handle all paperwork and documentation associated with the case, and negotiate with manufacturers and opposing legal counsel. You will have a legal professional protecting your interests at every step.

The personal injury attorneys at Riley Resar & Associates have nearly 30 years' experience serving clients throughout the Lorain, OH, area. They also provide representation in estate planning, bankruptcy, real estate, and family law matters. Call (440) 244-5214 or visit them online to set up a consultation today, and discuss your child safety seat issue with a trusted injury lawyer.