Syracuse Injury Lawyer Blog
According to Dr. Elizabeth Murray, of the Golisano Children’s Hospital, soon coming to Syracuse, New York, children are safer in rear-facing car seats, even after they are old enough or large enough to ride in forward-facing car seats.
It was once thought that children should be turned-around or moved into a forward-facing car seat when they are 12 months old, or weigh more than twenty pounds. Recent studies suggest that children should stay in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics is on the verge of releasing new recommendations that would urge parents to keep children in rear-facing car seats until age two in order to prevent neck injuries, such as cervical fractures (i.e., a broken neck).
In order for a car seat to be effective in preventing injury, it must be installed properly. Remember that rear-facing car seats are installed tightly and are not placed in the front seat of a car with an active passenger air bag. Also make sure that car seat harnesses are at baby shoulder level, that a car set is installed at the correct angle, and that seatbelts are buckled correctly. Use the LATCH system were possible.
The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict all types of injury cases, including cases where infants are injured in car accidents. If your child was injured in a car accident, whether due to the negligence of another driver or because of a defect in a safety device, such as a car seat, you, your child and/or your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, special education, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York accident attorney, contact Bottar Law, PLLC now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.