Car accidents can happen to anyone, and as a result we all know someone who has been involved in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5.4 million car accidents in the United States in 2014 alone, making car accidents are the leading cause of preventable death in children between the ages of 2 and 14.
It is absolutely essential to make sure children are properly restrained in vehicles at all times. Using the proper equipment installed the correct way could be a life saving decision for you and your children.
According to a leading government website, here are four main types of car seats: Rear-facing, forward-facing, booster and seat belts. Each type of seat has different guidelines for use and age/weight ranges. Follow the instructions for correct installation, and use LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) if possible. Also, consider having the seat checked by a trained technician to ensure it is installed properly. Visit SafeNY website for a list of local Child Safety Seat Inspection Stations.
To ensure you are notified if the car seat you are using is ever recalled, parents should register their car seat(s) with the manufacturer. When a new car seat is purchased, it includes a registration card that simply has to be filled out and mailed in. If you do not have a registration card, you can access a list of manufacturers and a link to their online registration here.
If you or your child has been injured in a car accident, contact us immediately to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. We offer convenient meeting times at any of our four regional law offices in Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs, NY.
The Hacker Murphy legal team is also available 24/7 for emergency situations by calling (518) 663-6015.