California Child Seat Laws | HHJ Trial Attorneys
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California Child Seat Laws

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California Child Seat Laws

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We are San Diego’s Award-winning personal injury law firm. In the last three years, our San Diego personal injury lawyers have won tens of millions in settlements and verdicts for our clients. HHJ Trial Attorneys have been featured in the San Diego local news (ABC 10News San Diego) for recovering some of most challenging personal injury cases in southern California.

How HHJ Trial Attorneys Can Assist After a Car Accident in San Diego, CA

By choosing HHJ Trial Attorneys, you can expect our team to:

  • Clearly define your legal rights and options
  • Thoroughly investigate both your and your child’s injury claims
  • Determine accountable parties and compile evidence of fault
  • Manage all insurance claims and strive for the highest settlement offers
  • Assess the full potential value of your injury case and vigorously pursue that amount for your family
  • Initiate a personal injury lawsuit if needed to advance your claim

Visit our San Diego office today to arrange a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers. This initial meeting is without obligation to hire our firm after the consultation.

Car Accidents: A Primary Danger to Children in San Diego, California

Data from 2018 indicates that over 97,000 children were injured and 636 children under the age of 12 died in car accidents nationwide. Notably, one-third of the deceased were not secured in car seats or seat belts at the time of the accident.

Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of fatality among children in the U.S. By simply securing children in a car safety seat or booster seat, parents and caregivers can significantly lower the risks of death and injury.

Overview of California Child Car Seat Regulations

California’s regulations on child car safety are clear:

  • Children under two years must use a rear-facing car seat until they are either 40 inches tall or weigh 40 pounds.
  • Children aged seven and under must be secured in a car seat or booster seat.
  • From the age of eight or once they reach 4-feet, 9-inches in height, children can transition to a booster seat or a safety belt.
  • Teens aged 16 and older must adhere to California’s seat belt laws.

In 2018, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its child safety seat guidelines, advising that children should stay in rear-facing seats as long as possible for optimal safety. Once a child outgrows the limits set by the car seat manufacturer, they can switch to a forward-facing seat with a harness, suitable for children up to 65 pounds or more, allowing usage until the child is at least four years old.

Parents are encouraged to continue using car safety seats until their child outgrows the maximum height or weight limits or if a specific health condition prohibits its use.

Once a child surpasses the safety seat stage, booster seats are the next step, ensuring that the seat belt fits properly over the child’s lap and chest. This should continue until the seat belt can be positioned correctly without a booster.

Actions to Take if Your Child is Involved in a Car Accident in San Diego, CA

Your immediate focus should be on your child’s health and emotional well-being following an accident. However, it’s also crucial to consider their legal rights. Your child is entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages sustained from the accident.

Once your child is stabilized, consult with an attorney to discuss initiating a personal injury claim on their behalf. Our team at HHJ Trial Attorneys is highly experienced in managing child injury cases and is ready to explore all potential damages and pursue comprehensive compensation to support your child’s recovery and future needs.

Contact HHJ Trial Attorneys today to schedule your no-cost consultation with one of our San Diego Auto Accident Attorneys.

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