Child Restraint Laws in Florida

Experienced Attorney Serving Parents of Children Injured in Automobile Accidents

Florida’s vehicle child restraint law changed last year, increasing the age through which parents and other drivers are legally required to secure children in booster seats. For parents and caregivers, understanding ’s booster seat requirements is critical. However, it is also important to understand that compliance with these requirements will not completely protect children against the risk of serious accident-related injuries.

Florida’s New Mandatory Child Restraint Law

In 2015, Florida became the 49th state to pass a law mandating use of booster seats for children under six years of age. Under Florida’s new child restraint law:

• Children under four years of age must be restrained in a removable child safety seat or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat.
• Children ages four and five must be restrained in a removable child seat, an integrated child seat, or on a booster seat with the vehicle’s safety belt. There are exceptions for medical emergencies and certain other circumstances.
• Children ages six to seventeen must wear a safety belt at all times. This includes children riding in both front and rear seats. Although not part of the law, experts recommend that children continue using booster seats until their seatbelts lay comfortably across their hips and shoulder.

When choosing a car seat or booster seat, Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) recommends checking the manufacturer’s specifications regarding child height and weight and ensuring that you can correctly install the seat every time.

Child Restraints Cannot Prevent All Accident-Related Injuries

While Florida’s new child restraint law is focused on limiting children’s risk of injury in the event of a collision, no child seat, booster seat, or seat belt is capable of preventing all accident-related injuries. Tragically, many children suffer serious injuries in car accidents every year even when properly restrained. If your child is injured while riding in a car seat or booster seat, you could have a claim for significant financial compensation, and you should speak with an attorney promptly standing up for your legal rights.

What if My Child Was Not in an Approved Car Seat or Booster Seat?

While failure to properly restrain a child passenger in a vehicle can result in three points being assessed against your driver’s license (unless you opt to take an approved child restraint safety course), it cannot deprive you of your right to seek compensation for your child’s accident-related injuries. If you are concerned filing an accident claim because your child was not properly restrained, the benefits of filing a claim will almost certainly outweigh any costs associated with having your oversight come to light. An experienced attorney will be able to help you assess your options and, if appropriate, fight to win just compensation from the party responsible for your child’s injuries.

Call Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

If your child has been injured in a vehicle collision in Palm Beach County, the experienced legal team at Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers is here to help you fight for just compensation. For a free, no-obligation consultation your rights, call me, Brian D. Guralnick, personally at 561-202-6673 now.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a licensed Personal Injury attorney.