If you’ve been involved in a crash, the condition of your child’s car seat likely isn’t one of your immediate concerns – even if your child is unharmed or maybe not even in the car at the time of the crash. Parents often are uncertain whether they can continue to use a car seat after they’ve been in a collision – especially if it doesn’t show any outward signs of damage.
It’s crucial to understand that the internal mechanisms of the seat that act to protect the child sitting in it may have suffered damage. That’s why safety experts and seat manufacturers generally recommend that parents replace any car seat in a car that was involved in anything greater than a “minor” crash.
What is considered a “minor” crash?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describes a minor crash for purposes of determining continued car seat safety as one where:
- No one in the vehicle was injured.
- No air bags (if present) deployed.
- The vehicle could be driven immediately after the crash.
- The door nearest the seat was undamaged.
- The car seat has no visible damage.
If all of these things are true, any car seat in the vehicle at the time is likely safe to continue using. However, many parents prefer to get a new seat just to be safe. Many insurers will cover the cost of replacing the seat even after a minor crash.
Dispose of the old one properly
If you buy a new car seat, even if the one in the crash appears to be fine, don’t give it to a friend or to charity – certainly not without disclosing that it was in a crash. Don’t throw it in the trash or a recycling bin where anyone can retrieve it, either.
Check with the manufacturer or local recycling programs to find out where you can take it so it can be properly disassembled and some of the parts reused. If you store it in your home or garage until you can responsibly dispose of it, make sure it’s clearly marked not to use or even cut off the straps to make it unusable.
If another driver was at fault for the crash, the expense of a new car seat should be included in your claim for compensation for expenses and other damages. Having legal guidance can help you get the compensation you’re due.
