# Child Car Seat Laws in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Are the Child Car Seat Laws in Texas? 2. What To Do if Your Child Is Injured in a Car Accident in Houston, TX 3. Filing a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of Your Child After a Houston Car Accident 4. Who Is Responsible for My Child’s Personal Injury Claim After a Houston Car Accident? 5. Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim ![Child Car Seat Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Child-Car-Seat-Laws-in-Texas-300x202.jpg) Motor vehicle accidents are a [leading cause](https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813456#:~:text=Child%20traffic%20fatalities%20increased%20by,)%20to%202021%20(1%2C184).&text=An%20estimated%20162%2C298%20children%20were,increase%20from%20139%2C058%20in%202020.&text=An%20average%20of%203%20children,in%20traffic%20crashes%20in%202021.) of death for children. Accidents are also a leading cause of injuries for minors. As a result, there are strict [child car seat laws](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm) in Texas designed to protect children when they are passengers in a vehicle. Understanding child car seat laws in Texas is essential to protect your child when riding a motor vehicle. Understanding the child seat laws also helps you avoid being fined up to $250 for failing to restrain a child in a vehicle properly. ## What Are the Child Car Seat Laws in Texas? [Texas Transportation Code §545.412](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm) requires that all children under eight years of age and less than four feet, nine inches tall must be restrained in an appropriate child safety seat while riding in motor vehicles. The type of child car seat depends on the child’s age, height, and weight. The [American Association of Pediatrics](https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/5/e20182460/38530/Child-Passenger-Safety?autologincheck=redirected) (AAP) recommends using the following child safety seats: - Rear-facing child safety seats for infants and toddlers until they outgrow the car seat because of their height or weight. - Front-facing child safety seat with a harness for young children until they outgrow the car seat because of their height or weight.  - A belt-positioning booster seat for children who have outgrown child safety seats. The booster seat correctly positions a seat belt over the child’s lap and shoulder. It is recommended that children ride in booster seats until they are between the ages of eight and 12 and have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height.  - Use a vehicle seat belt for children who are under 13 years of age and are old enough and tall enough to be out of a booster seat. Children under 13 years old should ride in the rear of the vehicle.  Incorrect installation of a child safety seat increases the child’s risk of injury or death in a [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/). You can find [child safety seat checkup events](https://www.dshs.texas.gov/injury-prevention/safe-riders/child-safety-seat-calendar) and inspection stations in Texas by visiting the state’s Health and Human Services website.  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## What To Do if Your Child Is Injured in a Car Accident in Houston, TX The first priority is your child’s health and well-being. Seek immediate medical treatment for your child. Children may not display the same injury symptoms as adults, so you always want to have your child checked by a pediatrician or medical professional after a car accident.  Common car accident injuries children sustain include: - [Broken bones and fractures](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/broken-bones/) - [Traumatic brain injury](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/) - [Soft tissue injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/soft-tissue-injury/) - Internal organ damage - [Spinal cord injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/spinal-cord-injury-lawyer/) - [Back and neck injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/average-neck-and-back-injury-results-from-car-accidents/) - [Nerve damage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/nerve-damage/) A child’s injury from a car accident can cause lifelong impairments and disabilities. Children injured in car crashes may develop cognitive and physical impairments. They may experience extreme [emotional distress and PTSD after a traffic accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suing-for-emotional-distress-after-an-accident/). A child may experience developmental delays and regression of skills after a car crash. Your child deserves to be compensated fairly for all injuries and harm caused by the car accident.  ## Filing a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of Your Child After a Houston Car Accident A child is entitled to the same types of damages after a car accident as adults. However, children cannot file a claim on their own. Their parents or legal guardians must file the claim.  By working with an experienced Houston child injury lawyer, you can file a claim on behalf of your child seeking compensation for their [economic](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-economic-damages/) and [non-economic](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-non-economic-damages-in-texas/) damages, including: - [Medical bills](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-handle-your-medical-bills-after-a-car-accident/) and expenses - Personal and/or nursing care - [Emotional distress](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-you-sue-for-emotional-distress/) and mental anguish - Physical [pain and suffering](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-are-pain-and-suffering-damages-calculated/) - Loss of enjoyment of life - Scarring and disfigurement - Impairments and disabilities If your child sustains a permanent disability or impairment, they could be entitled to future damages for loss of [earning capacity](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/loss-of-earnings-and-diminished-earning-capacity/),  diminished [quality of life](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/quality-of-life/), future lost wages, and ongoing medical/personal care. You may also be entitled to compensation for your damages. You could receive reimbursement for your [out-of-pocket expenses](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/out-of-pocket-expenses/) and loss of income because you need to care for your child. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Who Is Responsible for My Child’s Personal Injury Claim After a Houston Car Accident? Texas is an at-fault state for car accident claims. Therefore, the driver who caused the accident can be personally [liable](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) for your child’s injuries. However, other parties could also be liable depending on the circumstances and cause of the accident. For example, if the person who causes the car accident is on the job, their employer could be [vicariously liable](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/vicarious-liability/) for damages. Likewise, a manufacturer could be liable if a defective car seat contributed to the cause of your [child’s injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/child-injury-lawyer/). A Houston car accident lawyer can review your child’s case to advise who may be liable and the best way to pursue a claim. Time is limited to file claims by the [statute of limitations](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-the-statute-of-limitations-and-your-personal-injury-case/), so seek prompt legal advice to protect your child’s rights. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![Texas Uber Driver Killed In Crash With Police-Involved in High-Speed Chase](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Texas-Uber-Driver-Killed-In-Crash-With-Police-Involved-in-High-Speed-Chase-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-uber-driver-killed-in-crash-with-police-involved-in-high-speed-chase/) [Texas Uber Driver Killed in Crash With Police Involved in High-Speed Chase](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-uber-driver-killed-in-crash-with-police-involved-in-high-speed-chase/) A high-speed police chase on the Katy Freeway in Houston led to the death of an Uber driver and a teenager charged [![Everything You Need to Know About the Hands-Free Law in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/iStock-1081552088-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-hands-free-law-in-texas/) [Everything You Need to Know About the Hands-Free Law in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-hands-free-law-in-texas/) If you live in Houston, you know how chaotic the bustling city can get. With so many distractions affecting motorists [![What To Do if You Suffer from Whiplash Injuries After a Car Accident in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/What-To-Do-if-You-Suffer-from-Whiplash-Injuries-After-a-Car-Accident-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-suffer-from-whiplash-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) [What to Do If You Suffer From Whiplash Injuries After a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-to-do-if-you-suffer-from-whiplash-injuries-after-a-car-accident/) Whiplash is a commonly reported injury after car accidents. Symptoms may appear immediately after the accident, or [![How To Safely Stop On A Highway Shoulder In An Emergency](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-safely-stop-on-a-highway-shoulder-in-an-emergency-300x158.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-safely-stop-on-a-highway-shoulder-in-an-emergency/) [How to Safely Stop on a Highway Shoulder in an Emergency](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-safely-stop-on-a-highway-shoulder-in-an-emergency/) Sometimes, it isn’t possible or wise to remain on the road while driving. Your vehicle might experience a --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/child-car-seat-laws-in-texas/