How to Protect Children in Car Accidents | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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How to Protect Children in Car Accidents

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents


Most parents want nothing more than to protect their children from the dangers of the outside world. With that in mind, it is important to understand how to minimize the risk of your child being harmed in a roadway accident. Surprisingly, most parents do not know the legal requirements for using car seats and other safety harnesses. Listed below are the best ways to keep your child safe in the event of a car crash.

If you or your child has been injured in a car accident, you may wish to seek financial recovery for the costs you have incurred. Our car accident lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. know how precious your child is and that car accident can wreak havoc on a family. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the funds you deserve.

To find out how you can seek compensation for your injuries, call (312) 236-2900 now.

Using Safety Restraints

According to Illinois law, all children under the age of eight must be secured in a safety seat when riding in a motorized vehicle. These devices add additional safety in the event of an accident, from fully surrounding harnesses to extra padding and shielding. For children under the age of eight, the use of a child safety seat is required. There are also specific weight requirements for child transportation. According to modern requirements, any child who weighs less than 40 pounds must use a safety seat.

Stages for Child Roadway Safety

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claims that nearly 150 children between the ages of zero and 19 are injured in car accidents every hour. Thankfully, there are actions that parents can take to protect their children.

Depending on the age of a child, there are specific safety measures that should be taken. The stages of child safety seats include, but are not limited to:

  • Rear-Facing Car Seat (zero to two): In this age range, it is essential to secure children in a rear-facing car seat. In the event of a crash, the child will have the protection that fully surrounds them.
  • Forward-Facing Car Seat (two to five): When a child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, one that is forward facing is the next best thing. Children should remain in this seat until the age of four.
  • Booster Seat (five and up): A booster seat acts to elevate children when they are riding in the car. It places the seatbelt on the child’s torso; otherwise, it would be on their neck.

Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. Today

There is no doubt that young children are more susceptible to being injured in a car accident. With their relatively weak bodies and developing brains, a car accident can be devastating to a child. If you or your child has been hurt in an accident that was caused by another person’s recklessness or negligence, you can seek compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. The lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help you through every step of the process, ensuring that you receive the funds you and your child need to move on.

Call (312) 236-2900 today to see how we can help during a free consultation.

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(312) 236-2900
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