Illinois child car seat laws are meant to help prevent catastrophic injuries in collisions with a child present. Even if you follow all of the state’s laws regarding these safety features, however, crashes can still occur that could leave you and your child struggling with injuries. If the accident happened because of another party’s conduct, beginning a claim can help you recover losses.
At Joel E. Brown, P.C., our Peoria car accident lawyers can assist you as you begin the process. Our attorneys have 30+ years of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We can fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Learn more about the process of starting a lawsuit and the types of child car seat laws that could play a role in your claim by scheduling a free consultation today. Contact us at (309) 673-4357.
How Joel E. Brown, P.C. Can Help After A Car Accident Involving A Child In Peoria, IL
After a car accident involving you and your child in Peoria, Illinois, beginning a claim can help you recover your losses. At Joel E. Brown, P.C., our Peoria car accident attorneys can guide you through the process.
We offer services that include:
- Evaluation of the claim during a free consultation
- Investigation into the accident
- Collection of evidence, including witness statements
- Calculation of damages
- Negotiations with insurance companies to reach a settlement
- Representation in court, if needed
Car accidents happen so frequently throughout the state that, all too often, people might not realize just how serious they can be. Aside from property losses that could leave you with a totaled car or astronomically high repair bills, you can have medical expenses that could include hospital bills and ambulance fees.
If your child was involved in the crash and you’re struggling to prove that they were in the appropriate car seats, it’s essential that you hire dedicated attorneys to fight for your rights. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Peoria personal injury lawyer.
Child Car Seat Laws In Illinois
In Illinois, all children under the age of eight must be secured in a child restraint system of some kind. For children who are two years old or younger, you will need to have a rear-facing seat. Even though the requirement only goes up to the age of two, keeping your child in a rear-facing seat for longer can be beneficial.
Remember that you should never install a car seat that faces the rear in front of an airbag. The harness clip should reach your child’s armpits, and the straps must be snug.
For children who are between two and four who have outgrown their rear-facing seat, you will need a forward-facing seat with a five-point harness. Using a tether is recommended.
Once your child outgrows that seat, you can transition to a booster seat. These seats lift your child so that the vehicle’s belt fits correctly. These seats should not be used with seat belts that offer only lap harnessing.
Typically, children at the age of eight can begin wearing a seat belt without a booster seat. If your child is still small and fits in the booster, keep them there until they outgrow it and can safely use a regular seat belt.
Car Seat Law Compliance And Personal Injury Claims In Illinois
Illinois is a state that follows a fault-based system. You must demonstrate that the other party was responsible for your losses. If your child suffered a serious wound, like a brain injury, in the collision, the other party’s insurance will likely claim that they were not in the right car seat, and that’s what contributed to the injuries.
Illinois has a modified comparative negligence law. You can still recover compensation if your liability for the accident is 50% or less. Insurers might argue that you contributed to your child’s injuries by using an incorrect car seat, which could reduce or even prevent you from recovering damages.
Contact Our Peoria Car Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
If your child has been hurt in a Peoria car crash and the insurance company is questioning whether the car seat was used correctly, our legal team at Joel E. Brown, P.C., is ready to step in. We know Illinois child car seat regulations and how to challenge attempts to shift blame. Let us work to establish fault, protect your rights, and secure the full financial recovery your family needs.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Peoria car accident attorney.
