Brian White | October 5, 2020 | Auto Accidents
Car accidents are all too common across the state of Texas. The risk of severe injuries and death is less when a child rides in a safety seat. Unfortunately, children are injured and killed because parents or caregivers do not follow the recommendations for child safety seats and seat belts.
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) updated its recommendations for safety seats in 2018. The AAP now recommends that children remain in rear-facing safety seats for as long as possible. Parents and caregivers can follow the recommendations for weight and height restrictions from the safety seat manufacturer.
The same is true for forward-facing safety seats. Children should remain in these seats for as long as possible. Each seat has weight and height restrictions, but most seats accommodate children up to 60 pounds.
After a child outgrows a safety seat, booster seats should be used until seat belts fit correctly when the child is seated in the car. Parents should also check the limitations of booster seats. The AAP also recommends that children remain in the rear seat of a vehicle until they are at least 13 years of age.
It is also essential to register a child safety seat so that you can receive safety information and information about recalls. A defective safety seat can put a child at risk for catastrophic injuries and death in a car accident. Also, parents need to ensure that a car seat is installed correctly to maximize protection.
Texas Car Seat Laws
Texas requires all children under the age of eight years who do not meet height requirements to be in a child passenger safety seat system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Gov. Abbott vetoed a bill in 2019 that would have required children under two years of age to ride in rear-facing car seats.
Even though Texas car seat laws may not require parents to use rear-facing car seats, the AAP and other safety organizations strongly recommend keeping children in rear-facing car seats until they outgrow the seat’s maximum weight and height restrictions.
What Should Parents Do if Their Child Is Injured in a Car Accident?
Children injured in traffic accidents have the same right to recover compensation for damages as adults. However, personal injury claims involving children can be complicated. A child’s injuries could result in long-term impairments in development and learning.
Working with a child injury lawyer can be helpful. An attorney who handles injury claims involving children understands the unique challenges involved in childhood injury cases. An attorney also has the resources and experts that might be necessary to help determine future damages.
If your child is injured in a car crash, seek immediate medical treatment for your child. Documenting your child’s injuries is crucial.
You must prove that the car crash caused your child’s injuries. Delays in medical treatment could raise questions about whether the car crash caused the injuries. Insurance companies use any argument to avoid liability.
Your child’s health and welfare are the top priority. However, you need to take steps to protect your child’s legal rights. Allowing an attorney to handle the case from the beginning means that you have more time to focus on your child’s wellbeing and health while your lawyer fights to hold the driver who hurt your child responsible for negligence and wrongdoing.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 224-4878.
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Houston, TX 77098
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