Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that more than 600 children ages 12 years and younger died and more than 127,000 were injured as occupants in motor vehicle crashes in 2013. Many of these deaths can be prevented, however.
Age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats and seat belts reduce the risk of injury when an accident occurs. Car seats reduce the risk for death to infants by 71 percent in passenger vehicles and to toddlers aged one to four years by 54 percent, according to the CDC. Booster seats – when compared to seat belt use alone – reduce the risk for serious injury by 45 percent for children aged four to eight years. Seat belt use by older children and adults halves the risk for death and serious injury.
When Child Seat Design Flaws Lead to Injury
There’s no doubt that proper use of child restraints saves lives and reduces preventable injuries during motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, the defective design of a car seat, booster seat or seat belt can put thousands of children in danger. To warn parents of dangerous design flaws, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a provided searchable database about recalled car seats.
Parents are all too often left without adequate warnings about defective child restraints, and countless children have suffered the consequences. Manufacturers must take responsibility when their products let children get hurt. We can help.
Contact Anapol Weiss for assistance if you suspect a car seat, booster seat or seat belt failed when your child was killed or injured in an auto accident. Our team can investigate the product to determine if it was to blame.