Hundreds of children die in car accidents every year, and many others suffer severe, sometimes disabling, injuries. Chicago, IL, families are not immune to these horrific accidents. The chance of a young child being hurt in any car accident can be lessened if Chicago child car seat laws are followed and that child is properly secured in an appropriate car seat.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our lawyers help individuals recover damages after they or their family are hurt in a crash, and we are committed to helping you understand these important safety laws. Contact us today at (312) 635-5400 to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Chicago.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident Involving Child Car Seats in Chicago, IL
Car and truck accidents can happen without warning in Chicago, Illinois. Even a short jaunt to the grocery store or to drop your child off at school can end with an unexpected injury in an accident. If this happens, remember that you have rights, and our experienced Chicago car accident attorneys can help you take advantage of them.
Your lawyer will help you pursue a successful claim by:
- Collecting and analyzing all relevant records related to your accident
- Identifying all individuals and companies who played a role in your accident, which can include the other motorist, product manufacturers, and city authorities
- Filing your claim within Illinois’s two-year statute of limitations
- Working to expedite the processing and resolution of your claim
- Responding to requests for information and statements from the insurance companies and others regarding your claim
Whether through a settlement or jury verdict, your accident lawyer will not stop advocating for you and working on your behalf until a suitable resolution is reached.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
Overview of Child Car Seat Safety Laws in Chicago, Illinois
The State of Illinois has child car seat safety laws that all adults must follow if they are transporting a minor child on the road. The appropriate car seat for your child will depend on your child’s age and weight.
Children Under Two Years and 40 Pounds
From the time your child is born until they are two years old, they must ride in a rear-facing child seat system. This child seat should never be installed in the front seat of your vehicle because doing so can lead to a fatal injury if your passenger airbag deploys. Your child should remain in a rear-facing seat until they are older than two.
Once your child weighs over 40 pounds or is 40 inches tall, they can sit in a convertible car seat. However, this seat should still be installed rear-facing somewhere besides the front passenger seat.
Children Between Two and Four
It is recommended that you keep your child in a rear-facing child restraint system for as long as possible. Once they outgrow that seat, you can transition them to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Continue to use this car seat until your child outgrows its weight or height limitations. You should continue to keep your child in the rear of the passenger compartment.
Children Between Four and Eight
Once your child outgrows a car seat with a harness, you can begin transitioning them to a booster seat used in conjunction with the car’s seat belt. The booster seat helps position your child so that the seat belt fits securely and appropriately across your child’s shoulder and lap. Continue to keep your child in the rear of the vehicle as long as possible.
Children Between Eight and Twelve
Continue using a booster seat as long as possible. Once your child outgrows their booster seat and the seat belt fits them appropriately without assistance, they can begin using just the car seat belt. While your child can start riding in the front passenger seat once the seat belt properly fits them, it is recommended that children under 13 continue to ride in the back.
Liability for Injuries Involving Child Car Seats in Chicago
When a child is injured in a car accident, determining liability is critical to recovering compensation. In many cases, another driver may be held responsible if they were negligent, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence. However, liability may extend beyond the other motorist.
If a child was not properly restrained or the car seat failed to perform as expected, other parties may share responsibility, including:
- The child’s caregiver or driver, if they failed to comply with Illinois child car seat laws
- The car seat manufacturer, if the seat was defective or had a design flaw
- Retailers or distributors, if a recalled or dangerous car seat was sold
- Vehicle manufacturers, if seat belts or anchor systems were defective
- Local government entities, if poor road conditions contributed to the crash
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we carefully investigate all factors to identify every liable party. By doing so, we help maximize your potential recovery and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or your child were injured in any sort of traffic accident, take steps to protect your rights and your ability to receive full compensation. Contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers right away and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with one of our experienced car accident attorneys.