Have you ever made a quick car trip without putting your child in their car seat? If so, you are risking a ticket and fine in Missouri. You are also putting your child at a greater risk of severe injuries if you are involved in a car accident.
Car accidents are among the leading causes of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 13. Forty-three percent (43%) of children killed in car accidents were unrestrained. However, car seats and booster seats reduce the risk of injuries and death when used correctly.
Therefore, Missouri enacted laws requiring parents to use car seats for young children.
Overview of Child Car Seat Laws in Missouri
Missouri has several car seat laws based on a child’s age, weight, and height. Car seat laws in Missouri include:
- Child safety seats: Children under four years old or who weigh less than 40 pounds should be restrained in an appropriate child safety seat.
- Booster seats: Children four through seven years old must be in an appropriate child safety seat. However, they can ride in a booster seat if they weigh at least 40 pounds.
- Seat belts: Children who weigh at least 80 pounds or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall are required to be secured by a safety belt or sit in a booster seat.
Children under 16 years old must wear safety belts when they outgrow booster seats. Drivers may be stopped by the police and receive a citation if a child is not in the appropriate child safety seat or wearing a seat belt.
Infractions for failing to follow child safety seat laws can result in fines of up to $50 plus court costs.
What Is the Best Car Seat for a Child?
The type of car seat that is best for your child depends on their age, weight, and height. Generally, rear-facing car seats are used for infants and toddlers. It is recommended that children remain in rear-facing car seats until they reach the maximum weight or height, according to the car seat manufacturer.
Toddlers and preschoolers may ride in front-facing car seats when they reach the maximum restrictions for rear-facing car seats. It is recommended that they remain in a car seat until their weight or height exceeds the maximum limits set by the manufacturer. At that time, school-aged children can transition to a booster seat until they reach a minimum height of 4 feet 9 inches or a minimum weight of 80 pounds.
Older children should sit in the back seat whenever possible and use a seat belt. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the middle of the back seat is generally the safest place for children under 13 years old to ride.
Steps to Take if Your Child Is Injured in a Car Accident in St. Louis, MO
Car accidents can cause life-altering disabilities and impairments for children. Your child may sustain cognitive, physical, emotional, and developmental impairments because of car accident injuries. As a parent, you can file a lawsuit on behalf of your child seeking compensation for their injuries, economic damages, and non-economic damages.
Steps parents can take after a car accident to protect their child’s legal rights include:
- Call 911 to report the car accident to the police and request emergency medical services.
- Collect evidence at the accident scene. If an adult is with you, ask them to take photographs and make a video of the accident scene with your phone while you remain with your child.
- Ask eyewitnesses for their names and contact details.
- Do not admit fault for causing the accident. Tell the police officer what happened without making assumptions about fault.
- Take your child to a doctor or the emergency room immediately. Children may not display the same injury symptoms as adults. It is in your child’s best interest to be checked by a physician.
Child injury claims are complicated personal injury cases. The claim may involve current losses and future damages.
Protecting Your Child’s Safety and Legal Rights
Unfortunately, many car seats are installed incorrectly, putting children at risk of injury. Parents can visit a car seat inspection station for a free safety check. Throughout Missouri, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available at these sites to ensure car seats are properly installed.
If your child has been injured in an accident, a St. Louis child injury lawyer can help you pursue insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits on behalf of your child. Parents can schedule a free consultation with an attorney at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers to learn more about their legal options.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the best personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
