Every parent’s worst fear is seeing their child hurt in a car accident. Even a relatively minor collision can cause serious injuries to a young passenger if proper safety steps aren’t followed. Fortunately, many car-related injuries are preventable, especially when parents and caregivers take the time to use the correct child safety restraints and stay up to date with the latest best practices.
At Stein & Shulman, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating car accidents involving children can be. We represent families in Northbrook and across Illinois who are coping with the aftermath of vehicle crashes, and we understand the vital importance of prevention—and accountability. Below, we’ve put together a practical guide to help protect your children and understand your legal options if something goes wrong.
Why Child Safety in Cars Matters
Children are more vulnerable than adults in car accidents. Their bones are still developing, and their smaller size means that crash forces affect them differently. Even a properly restrained child can suffer serious injuries if the seat isn’t age-appropriate or installed correctly.
According to the CDC, using a child safety seat reduces the risk of injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. However, those protections only work when seats are used correctly and function as intended.
Safety Tips to Reduce the Risk of Injury
Here are some key steps parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk of injury during a crash:
1. Use the Right Car Seat for Your Child’s Age and Size
- Rear-facing car seats are best for infants and toddlers under age 2 (or until they reach the seat’s height or weight limit).
- Forward-facing car seats with harnesses are next for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Booster seats are used until the child fits a seat belt properly—usually between ages 8 and 12.]
- Seat belts should fit snugly across the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face. The lap belt should lie flat across the upper thighs, not the stomach.
Illinois law requires children under the age of 8 to be secured in an appropriate child safety restraint system. However, following best practices rather than minimum legal requirements can offer stronger protection.
2. Make Sure Car Seats Are Installed Correctly
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. A few tips:
- Use either the LATCH system or the seat belt—not both—unless the seat allows it.
- Check for movement: the seat shouldn’t move more than an inch in any direction.
- Ensure the harness is snug, with chest clips at armpit level.
- When in doubt, have your seat inspected. Many local police departments and hospitals in the Northbrook area offer free car seat safety checks.
3. Keep Children in the Back Seat
Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat of a vehicle. Airbags in the front can cause serious or fatal injuries to children in a crash, even at low speeds.
4. Avoid Bulky Coats Under Harnesses
Puffy jackets can compress in a crash, leaving space between the child and the harness. Instead, put the child in the car seat first and place a blanket or jacket over the straps if needed.
5. Stay Alert to Recalls
Car seats, booster seats, and even vehicle safety systems are sometimes recalled due to manufacturing defects. Visit the NHTSA recall website and register your car seat so you’ll be notified if a safety issue arises.
When Safety Features Fail
Even when parents do everything right, the equipment itself can sometimes fail. If a car seat fails to hold up in a crash or a vehicle safety feature, such as a seatbelt or side-impact airbag, malfunctions, the results can be devastating.
Defects may include:
- Weak shell construction or faulty buckles
- Improper labeling or missing instructions
- Inadequate crash testing
- False safety claims by manufacturers
In these cases, families may have grounds to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the defective product.
Helping Northbrook Families Stay Safe
We know there’s no way to prevent every accident. But the proper safety steps can make a real difference—and when those steps fail due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers.
If your child was hurt in a car accident in Northbrook, whether due to another driver’s actions or a defective safety product, Stein & Shulman is here to help. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
