According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car crashes are the leading cause of death in children in the United States. In 2015 alone, 663 children 12 and under were killed in car crashes. Of those cases where the facts were known, a full 35 % of those children were not protected by a restraint of some kindww.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats.
Furthermore, 121,350 children 12 and under were injured in car crashes in 2014. In a shocking study, the CDC reports that in a single year, more than 618,000 children ages 0 – 12 rode in a care without the protection of a child safety seat, booster seat, or a seat belt for at least some portion of the time.
Understanding Car Seat Types
There are a variety of different car seats designed to meet the needs of your child, based on their size and their age. Here are the top 3:
- Rear-Facing Car Seats – Rear-facing car seats come in three types – rear facing car seats, convertible seats, and all-in-one seats. Children under the age of 1 should always ride in rear facing seats. Because rear-facing seats are the safest, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you should keep your child rear facing until they reach the maximum weight and size for the car seat.
- Forward-Facing Car Seats – Forward-facing car seats come as convertible seats, combination seats, and all-in-one seats. Once a child is large enough to face forward, a forward facing car seat with a harness and tether is a safe option. Children can ride in forward facing car seats until they reach the high end of the height and weight limitations recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, children can ride in forward facing car seats up to the age of 7.
- Booster Seats – Booster seats, like car seats, belong in the back seat of the car. Between the ages of 8 and 12, until your child is large enough to properly fit in a seat belt, your child should remain in a booster seat.
And of course, seat belts are essential when a child outgrows their car seats.
If Your Child Was Involved in a Car Accident
If your child was injured or killed in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation, from medical bills to funeral expenses. Often, when people lose a child, they find the idea of suing distasteful. Filing a personal injury lawsuit holds wrong doers accountable for their actions, however.
At Zimmet & Zimmet, after talking with us, if we believe you have a case, we will take on the legal responsibility so that you have the time you need to help your family heal. Contact us today for a free consultation at (386)-255-6400.
