In a wreck today. Replace carseats?

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sholoulou

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #1

We were going 40 mph and a lady pulled out and hit us on the side of our van. Geico is our insurance and they said they will have to inspect the carseats to see if they need to be replaced. When do you replace carseats? btw Both kids are OK except they are complaining of their shoulders hurting, my back and shoulder is hurting but other than that we are OK.

 

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sholoulou

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #2

Oh if we do need to replace the seats and since the accident was not my fault should the other person's insurance pay for the seats?

 

trippsmom

CPST Instructor

• Apr 13, 2011

• #3

Only have a second, but others will chime in soon with more info on how to push.

Even the most relaxed replacement guidelines state that if any occupant of the vehicle in which the seats were installed has any injury, they need to be replaced.

 

MomToEliEm

Moderator

• Apr 13, 2011

• #4

Here is a good post discussing dealing with the insurance company regarding carseats.
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=9575

Did your crash meet all of the below criteria?
* The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site;
* The vehicle door nearest the child restraint was undamaged;
* There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants;
* The air bags (if present) did not deploy; AND
* There is no visible damage to the child restraint.

If you answered no to any of them, then the carseats need to be replaced. Even if you answered yes to all of them, I would still think they should be replaced. A crash at 40mph doesn't sound minor to me.

 

rachelandtyke

Well-known member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #5

Glad you are OK! You might find this post from Jeanum helpful:
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=9575

 

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sholoulou

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #6

Ok, I am not sure on the guidelines when a wreck occurs. I did have my kiddos restrained correctly. Both started crying right away

 

wavegal

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #7

They absolutely need to be replaced, most manufacturers require replacement after any accident no matter how severe, except Britax and Sunshine Kids, but even with them if anyone is injured they require the seats to be replaced. Most likely the other persons insurance will pay for the replacement of the seats.

Glad that you are all okay! and great on having the kids properly restrained!

 

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Abigail's_Mommy

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #8

Replace, I wouldn't chance it. Once they accept liability, it is usually no problem with getting reimbursed for the seats. Some will fight on covers, most don't. I worked in insurance for 6 years and never had a company not replace a seat.

 

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sholoulou

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #9

Ok. I will ask that the seats be replaced. We were hit on the side where my daughter rides but mainly the front of the van. The other car is probably totaled. We are on our way the doctors to be checked out. We did not ride in an ambulance... my husband was pretty upset when I told him we didn't... both of my kids are hurting but I didin't feel a ambulance was needed at the time. I never know what to do during an accident when I am the one in it. Now I feel like a bad mom for not having them taken in an ambulance. I am so glad I got on this site and learned how to properly restrain my kids! Thank you!!

 

lovemybabies924

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #10

I would replace for sure! Hope u guys feel better

Sent from my iPod touch using Car-Seat.Org

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #11

"inspecting" the seats is bunk, BTW. I'm a CPST, know what to look for, and I didn't find any stess marks on my seats immediately apparent after our pretty horrific crash. You JUST CAN'T TELL by looking. Tell them I said so.

 

aeormsby

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #12

Also, what seats do you have? Most companies have in their manuals to replace after ANY accident (something you could easily copy and send to your ins rep). A couple go by the NHTSB list posted above for replacement.

Either way, sounds like yours definitely need to be replaced. Glad you're all OK, hope the soreness doesn't last long!

 

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sholoulou

New member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #13

Sunshine monterey & radian xtsl

 

ketchupqueen

CPST and ketchup snob

Staff member

• Apr 13, 2011

• #14

Radian is replace after any crash; Monterey goes by NHTSA minor crash guidelines (which yours doesn't meet.) That info is in your manuals. The other person's insurance should pay.