Kenny Habetz Injury Law | May 23, 2024 | Louisiana Law
Many parents wonder at what age kids can sit in the front seat of a car in Louisiana. Louisiana law sets specific requirements for child passengers to minimize the risk of injury. Understanding when a child may sit in the front seat is important not only to comply with state law but also to protect our most vulnerable.
If your child has been injured in a Louisiana car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for assistance.
Louisiana Child Passenger Safety Laws
Louisiana has strict child passenger safety laws. These are designed to protect children in the event of a crash.
According to Louisiana law, the following age and height restrictions generally apply:
- Children under the age of 2: Must be secured in a rear-facing child safety seat in the back seat.
- Children aged 2 to 4: Must be secured in a forward-facing child safety seat with an internal harness in the back seat.
- Children aged 4 to 9: Must use a booster seat in the back seat until they can fit properly in a seat belt.
- Children aged 9 and older: May use a standard seat belt if it fits correctly. When the child sits back in the seat, the lap belt must fit across their thighs and lower hips, and the shoulder strap must fit across their chest.
These laws serve to reduce the risk of severe injuries in an accident.
When Can Children Sit in the Front Seat in Louisiana?
Louisiana law states that a child younger than 13 must be transported in the rear seat of a vehicle when available. They must also have the proper restraint system, booster seat, or seat belt configuration for their age, weight, and height.
This is required because front seat airbags can pose a significant risk to younger children, even in minor collisions. If a child must be seated in the front seat, be sure to place their seat as far back as possible to maximize the distance from the airbag and help prevent airbag injuries.
Why Child Passenger Safety Laws Matter
Child passenger safety laws are designed to protect our most vulnerable passengers on Louisiana roads—children. According to the Department of Transportation, an estimated 162,298 children were injured in traffic crashes in 2021, a 17-percent increase from 2020. Each day, an average of 3 children were killed, and an estimated 445 children were injured.
Laws such as Louisiana’s focus on giving children the best possible protection while traveling.
What To Do If Your Child Is Injured in a Louisiana Crash
If your child is injured in a car accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Our team can help if you suspect someone else’s negligence caused the accident.
Some steps to take after a car accident with your child include:
- Seek medical help: Ensure your child receives prompt medical attention, even if their injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the incident: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your child’s injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Report the accident: Notify law enforcement and ask for an accident report to be filed. This report will be valuable for legal or insurance claims as it will document key facts about the accident.
- Keep records: Maintain detailed records of your child’s medical treatments, expenses, and other accident-related documents.
- Consult a lawyer: Contact a Lafayette personal injury attorney to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
Our team is ready to help you and your child after a Lafayette car accident.
Injured in a Car Accident? Consult a Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyer
If your child has been injured in a car accident in Lafayette, LA, our legal team can help. Navigating the aftermath of any accident can be overwhelming, especially when a child is involved. A Lafayette car accident lawyer will work to protect their rights and fight for fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Contact the Louisiana Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today
Please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000
Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883
