It is important to guarantee that any children using car seats are in child seats that are less than ten years old. It is better that the car seats were manufactured within the last five years prior to usage. This is because the safety technology changes significantly within that amount of time, and newer seats will be considered safer than older model car seats. The expiration date applicable to the car seat is clearly stamped into the plastic on the back of the seat. This stamp is permanent, and should not be tampered with in any way. It will be the only indication that a consumer has to show when the car seat was manufactured and if it is due for updated accessories or if it is subject to manufacturer recalls.
When buying a car seat second hand, inspect the seat carefully. Although it is impossible to know whether the car seat that is bought at the second hand store or passed down from a friend has ever been in a crash, it is important to check the seat for tell-tale signs of damage. If the car seat has any cracks or dents in the plastic, it may be signs that it has been in an accident.
It is also important to examine the straps on a used car seat. If the straps are frayed, or the buckles are stiff or jammed, it may be signs of prior damage. Straps and buckles that show any signs of rust or unusual wear (or even food stains, debris or dirt that could interfere with the action of the buckles working) should be replaced. Receiving a second hand car seat, even free from a friend, is not so much of a bargain if it is not safe, nor if it fails the test of measuring up to safety standards.
Many child car seats have been the subject of recalls, at one time or another, and it is important to review the recall listings when buying a new child car seat, or in receiving a used one. Check with the manufacturer online or by calling an 800 number to find out if the car seat in question has ever been recalled. If there are any attachments that need to be replaced, it is worth it to contact the manufacturer to get the replacement part. Very rarely will the entire car seat need to be returned to the manufacturer in a recall. Most of the problems related to the recall can be fixed with a replacement part that can be sent in the mail.
If a car seat has been in a prior accident, and then is used by a consumer, and fails to protect the child in a current accident, there may be issues of liability that may surface. These are concerns that may have never been considered at the time the car seat was purchased, new or used.
Call the law offices of Ledger Law at 1-800-300-0001 with any questions you may have regarding the issue of child car seats and current accidents. Or, visit us online at www.ledgerlaw.com where we are always available to answer your questions regarding liability issues and accidents.
