Auto Accidents, Car Accident Information, Car Accidents

Be Aware of Texas Car Seat Laws 2022

Statistics indicate that around 325 children younger than age five have their lives saved due to car seats each year in the United States. Every parent should stay aware of car seat laws and requirements in Texas to help protect their children should a car accident happen. In the frightening event, your child suffers injuries in a crash, you should speak with an Austin car accident attorney as soon as possible. 

 

Texas Requirements For Car Seats

Seat belts are important for protection in an accident, but adult seat belts are not the proper protection for small children. In fact, seat belts can seriously injure small kids, which is why parents need to purchase and properly install the right car seat for each child.

In Texas, a child must be in a car seat or booster seat if they are:

1. Underage eight or,
2. Shorter than four feet-nine inches

If your child grows tall enough or turns eight, they must sit in the back seat with a seat belt until age 13. Then, they can sit buckled in the front seat.

 

Choosing the Right Car Seat

Car seats should always be federally-approved, which means they passed crash tests and obtained certain safety certifications. Parents also need to adapt their car seats to the child’s age or size, as follows:

1. Start with a rear-facing seat until an infant is at least one year old or over 20 to 22 pounds. The Texas Department of Safety recommends keeping your infant in a rear-facing seat until they outweigh the harness limits.
2. Switch to a forward-facing seat, and toddlers or small children should remain in this seat until they outweigh the harness limits, which can range from 40 to 65 pounds.
3. Children who are shorter than 4’9” or younger than eight should use a booster seat.

Parents should ensure that each type of seat base is installed properly in the vehicle for maximum protection. Parents can request inspections of their car seat installation from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

 

Child Injuries Still Happen

Even if parents do everything right to protect their children, the reality is those car accidents can still cause injuries to children. If you are in a crash and your child has visible injuries, hit their head, or seems to be in pain, take them to the emergency room right away. It is critical to get an immediate diagnosis for both your child’s health and a future injury claim.

If someone else was at fault and your child has injuries, consult with a car accident attorney about your options. We can evaluate whether you have a claim and help you seek justice for your child’s injuries and your family’s financial losses.

 

An Austin Car Accident Lawyer is Ready to Help

At Terry & Kelly PLLC, we hope that all Texas children stay safe in their car and booster seats and remain injury-free. However, we know those car accidents and injuries happen, and we are here to help when they do. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.