According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents are a leading cause of death for children ages one to 13 years old. Fortunately, many fatalities can be prevented when the right car seat is chosen and properly installed. To remind parents of this and provide them with essential information that can help keep kids safe in a collision, the NHTSA and U.S. Department of Labor have created the National Child Passenger Safety Week initiative. In support of this effort, which runs from September 23 to 29, the personal injury attorneys at Lane, Felix & Raisbeck CO, LPA share a few key factors to know about protecting child passengers.

A Guide to Child Passenger Safety   

Why Safety Seats Are Important 

Current recommendations call for children to sit in rear-facing car seats until at least three years old. The National Safety Council states the importance of following these guidelines, explaining that correctly fastening child passengers into vehicles can reduce the risk of death in car accidents by up to 71% for infants, 54% for toddlers, and 45% for children between the ages of four and eight.

As reported by Safe Kids Worldwide, there is a child involved in a car crash every 33 seconds in the U.S., and what’s most concerning is that a third of the children who died in collisions weren’t restrained in any way. When used appropriately, car seats, boosters, and seat belts can make a considerable difference in whether an accident results in a fatality.

How to Get Information on Product Safety Recalls          

After purchasing a car seat, it’s essential for parents to register it. This will allow them to get timely updates from manufacturers in the event of a product recall. In turn, parents can take action right away to maintain their children’s safety. National Child Passenger Safety Week is the ideal time to make sure that car seats are registered and to check the NHTSA for any recent complaints or safety recalls. Parents should also carefully inspect their child’s restraint to ensure it’s in good condition and doesn’t show any signs of damage or deterioration. 

What to Do if Your Child Is Injured Because of a Defective Seat  

If your child has been hurt due to a faulty car seat, it’s imperative to contact a personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling product liability cases. You may be entitled to pursue compensation if their injuries were caused by a flaw in the seat design, defect in the manufacturing process, or failure to provide sufficient instructions for use. An attorney will guide you through the steps of filing a claim and help you collect evidence to support it. 

Unfortunately, car accidents and defective products can still cause injuries no matter how vigilant you are about protecting your children with proper safety restraints. If someone else’s negligence has directly caused your child harm, a personal injury attorney from Lane, Felix & Raisbeck CO, LPA will help explore your legal options. They offer over 30 years of experience fighting for Cincinnati, OH residents to receive maximum compensation. Call (513) 922-7700 to discuss your case with a seasoned personal injury attorney or visit them online to view all the legal services they provide.