Car Seat in a Car Accident?

What to Do When Your Car Seat Has Been in a Car Wreck

Car seats are essential for keeping our youngest passengers safe. However, if you've been in a car wreck, it's important to know what steps to take to ensure your child's car seat is still safe to use. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you should do when your car seat has been involved in a collision.


1. Assess the Severity of the Accident

The first thing to determine is the severity of the car accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides guidelines on when a car seat must be replaced after a crash:


Minor Crashes: If the collision meets all the following criteria, the car seat may not need to be replaced:

  - The vehicle was able to be driven away from the accident scene.

  - The vehicle door nearest the car seat was undamaged.

  - No passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries.

  - The airbags (if present) did not deploy.

  - There is no visible damage to the car seat.

  If all these conditions are met, the crash is considered minor, and the car seat might still be safe to use.


Moderate to Severe Crashes: If any of the above conditions are not met, the crash is considered moderate to severe, and the car seat should be replaced immediately per the NHSTA.  


2. Inspect the Car Seat

Regardless of the severity, carefully inspect the car seat for any signs of damage:

- Cracks or Stress Marks: Look for any cracks, stress marks, or broken pieces on the plastic shell of the car seat.

- Harness Condition: Check the harness and straps for fraying, stretching, or tears.

- Buckle Functionality: Ensure the buckles still latch securely and release properly.

- Padding and Fabric: Inspect the padding and fabric cover for any signs of damage or displacement.

Even if the damage is not visible, internal components could be compromised, making the car seat unsafe.


3. Consult the Manufacturer

Refer to the car seat manual or the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding car seat replacement after a crash. Many manufacturers have specific policies and may recommend replacing the seat even after a minor collision. You can contact the manufacturer directly for advice tailored to your specific car seat model.


4. Contact the Insurance Company

Whichever insurance company is paying to repair or replace your vehicle is also responsible for paying for a replacement car seat if it is needed.  Be sure to take pictures of the car seat before disposing of it.  It is best to also provide a copy of the receipt when the car seat was purchased, but providing a listing for the same car seat and current price is also an option to get reimbursement.  


5. Replace the Car Seat if Necessary

If the car seat needs to be replaced, do so immediately. Your child’s safety is paramount, and using a compromised car seat can put them at risk. When purchasing a new car seat, ensure it fits your vehicle and is appropriate for your child’s age, height, and weight.


6. Properly Dispose of the Old Car Seat

If you must replace the car seat, ensure that the old one is properly disposed of so that it cannot be reused by someone else. Cut the harness straps, remove the cover, and write “Unsafe” or “Do Not Use” in permanent marker on the shell.


7. Install the New Car Seat Correctly

When you get a new car seat, take the time to install it properly. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully. If you're unsure about the installation, seek help. Many local fire departments, police stations, and hospitals offer car seat installation checks. For a list of places to receive a FREE certified check of your child's installed car seat provided by DHEC, click here.


Conclusion

After a car accident, ensuring your child's car seat is still safe to use is crucial.  Erring on the side of replacing the car seat will ensure that your child is safe in the future.  Assess the severity of the crash, inspect the car seat for damage, consult the manufacturer, and contact your insurance company for guidance. If necessary, replace the car seat immediately to maintain your child's safety on the road. Your child’s safety is always the top priority, and taking these steps ensures they remain protected in any future travels.

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