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.
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:
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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
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