[joycenjackiesmom]

My next door neighbor and her two daughters were involved in a roll over accident today. Thankfully they were all wearing their seat belts and although I've heard that seeing the car you wouldn't believe this they were all treated and released from the emergency room. Now I know that if a car seat with a harness is involved in an accident you are supposed to replace it as the structural integrity of the seat is no longer guaranteed. Does anyone know if this is also true of booster seats used without a harness (where the seat belt goes over the child?

Thank you for your help.

Chris

 

[alegna]

YES! Any carseat must be replaced after an accident. I think I remember that all seatbelts must be replaced too (though in this kind of situation the car is probably a loss)

-Angela

 

[joycenjackiesmom]

Thank you--I thought this was this case but when I mentioned it to a mutual friend she thought I was nuts since the seat belt isn't used in the seat and how could it be a problem etc. I never thought about the seatbelts but it makes sense. In this case the car is a total loss--it sounds like anyone who saw the car would be amazed to know that everyone not only survived but was treated and released in the ER with the worst injury being a few stitches. I will talk to my neighbor about getting a new booster seat in a few days when things calm down--even if it means that I purchase it for her.

The moral of this story is not to use your cell phone while driving--especially on a twisting, curving mountain road.

Thanks again for your quick reply.

Chris

 

[alegna]

Sure thing! The problem with carseats (and boosters) in accidents (or that are too old) is that the plastic can have tiny cracks that aren't visible but can keep them from performing how they're supposed to.

-Angela

 

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

Before spending any of your or her money, she should check with her insurance company. Most of the time replacing carseats (including boosters) is part of the policy, but she'll have to tell them they were in the car. The company should just add the cost of replacements to the check for the totalled vehicle.