It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to have their child injured in a car accident. While you can’t control the other drivers on the highways of Atlanta, GA, you can take steps to protect your child from injury in the event of a collision. The experienced car accident attorneys at Pope & Howard, P.C. are here to help keep your little loved ones safe on the open road.
Read our tips below on how to best protect your child from injury in a Georgia car accident, or contact the car accident attorneys at Pope & Howard today to discuss your case: (404) 885-9999.
Investing in a high-quality car seat will go a long way in protecting your child in a car accident, but it’s important to make sure that this top-of-the-line device fits your child and is properly installed.
According to the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), infants and toddlers should remain in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height and weight specified by the seat’s manufacturer.
Once your child has outgrown the specifications of a rear-facing car seat, they should use a front-facing seat with a harness until they’ve exceeded the height and weight restrictions for that device.
From that point on, they should be placed in a booster seat until they’ve reached a height where the lap belt and shoulder strap fit them properly—about 4 ft. 9 inches.
Even after your child has outgrown his or her booster seat, they should remain in the back seat of your vehicle at least until the age of 13. It may seem like your children are growing up faster than you could ever imagine, but it’s vital to inch them along as they come of age in their car seat straps. Remember, moving to the front seat is a major rite of passage.
Before you fasten your child into your new car seat, you’ll want to review the instructions for the seat to make sure your son or daughter is safely secured. Your vehicle owner’s manual may also contain pertinent information about how to properly install a car safety seat.
You should also register your car safety seat online to receive announcements about recalls or product updates. Like anything regarding your child’s safety, it’s important to do your research.
Accidents happen, no matter how safe of a driver you are or how much research you’ve conducted surrounding car seat safety. If your child has been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. As one of Georgia’s top-rated car accident law firms, Pope & Howard can help alleviate the stress of your situation and get you the settlement you deserve. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.