Maybe I'm ignorant...any inputs are appreciated! (x-posted in TAO)

[Mrs_Hos]

Ok...I'm ignorant I guess...
I was wondering how bad a car accident has to be to throw out your carseat.
I minor fender bender? like backing into another car in the parking lot? Or does it have to be a total crash?
What if the baby wasn't in the seat at the time, but the car seat was in the car?
What could happen to the carseat?
We had a car accident--no, we're not still using the carseat--we spent another 130 for a new one--same style. Our accident was a bad one--spun us around 180 and knocked me out. (airbags deployed) Dd seemed scared, but not a scratch...a lady ran a red and hit us going about 50mpg--luckily we were in a giant LINCOLN--had about 6ft of front end that she hit--otherwise I may not have legs!
Anyways...I just wanted to know any info on carseats--and no, I'm not looking to 'reuse' or 'resell' the carseat...I would never forgive myself if anything happened...
I'm just trying to figure out the physics of it all...

[Getz]

I know there are car seat experts on here so I won't try to answer the accident question.

I do know that our insurance paid for a new carseat when I had an accident with my nephew. If you are filing a claim with the insurance, I would ask about it.

[twin monkeys]

Yep needs to be replaced since the lady hit you her insurance should pay for the new one save your receipt and make sure to cut the straps on the old one. My rule is anything under 5 mph don't replace anything over do not worth the risk. They can have small cracks and structure damage you can't see

[SquishyKitty]

The seat may appear fine, but the accident could have created fractures inside the plastic that you can't see, but will compromise the overall safety of the seat.

I'm not sure exactly what the speed or type of accident has to be, I would talk to a certified car seat expert.

[Squeakyneedle]

I don't know the rules as far as "how bad of a crash" determining the need to be replaced, but I do know that they should be replaced regardless if there was a child in it at the time. Case in point: Dh was hit by some idiot running a red light...in our van with 3 child seats at the time all strapped in, but no kids. We chucked all three and her insurance company paid for replacements...and they all had LATCH too! Dh said you should have seen her face when they pulled the seats out...knowing she almost creamed a family full of kids. We were so blessed that Dh wasn't hurt.

Seats can have unseen damage even if they are empty at the time of the crash.

I would err on the side of caution and replace a seat...I don't know what speed of a crash I would be willing to say they are still ok to use. I mean, how many times do we have to slam on our brakes to avoid an accident...does that cause wear and tear? Less than a 5 mph crash? It's a tough call...

[lasciate]

Read your carseat manual. Most will explicitly state to replace the carseat after *any* crash. Carseats are a one-time use product, just like seatbelts. Sadly, not many people know that seatbelts should be replaced after a crash.

[andreac]

Here's what I found when we were in an accident:

http://www.800bucklup.org/parent/ima...ev.%205-04.pdf

This give the info on when to replace a car seat after an accident.

[Mrs_Hos]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!

Makes sense to me!