It’s important to keep children safe while in a car, and Nevada has specific laws that govern the use of booster seats. However, if you installed the seat according to directions, but it failed to protect your child, it might be defective. Manufacturers are legally responsible when their products injure others. In addition, a negligent driver who caused the car accident can also be held liable if you and your child were hurt.
You can trust our team of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at Valiente Mott to assess liability in your case and fight for your rights to fair compensation to cover your damages. Contact us for a free consultation about booster seat laws. We can answer your questions and guide you on the next steps.
The Nevada Car Seat Booster Laws
The Nevada DMV notes that any child under six years old and under 57 inches must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system, such as a car seat booster. Children under two years old must ride in the back in a rear-facing seat.
Whether you’re a new parent or an experienced great-grand-parent, knowing best practices can help you keep children safe:
- Newborn to 2 Years Old. Young babies should always ride in a rear-facing car seat in the backseat until age 1. Parents should only consider a front-facing seat after the baby outgrows the weight and height limitations of the seat.
- 2 to 3 Years Old. Toddlers should ride in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible. Parents may opt for a forward-facing seat after they have outgrown the rear-facing seat’s limitations.
- 4 to 7 Years Old. Your child might outgrow the seat with a harness at this age. When this happens, it’s time to use a booster seat until they have grown to a size suitable for safely using seat belts.
However, as noted above, the booster seat might have been installed correctly, but a defect from the manufacturer could increase your child’s chances of getting hurt in an accident. Liability may also fall on a negligent driver. Trust that our team at Valiente Mott could investigate and hold those responsible for your child’s injuries.
When Can Children Ride in the Front Seat?
Children often look forward to the day when they can finally ride up front with you, but when should you allow this? The Nevada DMV safety guide suggests that children can ride in the front seat at ages eight and older. Why is this such a safety concern if they are strapped in? The fast and forceful deployment of front airbags can be dangerous to children.
Contact Valiente Mott for a Free Consultation
If your child has been injured in a booster seat in a car accident, our team of Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Valiente Mott is ready to provide sound legal guidance and advocacy. We understand the gravity of your situation and know how difficult it can be to deal with the stress as medical expenses and other bills pile up. Contact us today to request your free case evaluation.