Need your (carseat) help/advice after an accident

janjag

There's a lady on here who's a certified carseat expert.  I know what her kids look like, but can't remember her SN! 

Last night I was rear-ended on the freeway on my way home.  Kids were not in the car, thank God.  I had to come to a near stop to avoid hitting cars in front of me.  The woman behind me hit me at about 40-50 mpr.

Spent a miserable night in ER and then in L&D at yet another hospital.  I am fine (tired/sore) and baby is fine.

I was driving our family car (Volvo XC70) with the carseats.  Since my airbag didn't deploy, the seats are OK, right?  When we finally get the car out of tow should we take the seats by our firestation to have them checked out?  Any advice?  The seats are Radian XTSLs. 

ETA:  The driver who hit me had her airbag deploy.

Soap1

If your car is in an accident with the car seats in it, you have to replace them.  Sorry

Glad you're okay!

HuneyofJeremy

My friend was in the same situation about the car seats. She had a Graco myride, and I mentioned getting it replaced, so she called Graco, and it is recommended that they get replaced. Your insurance company should cover them. Call them and ask them what you need to get them replaced. I am glad you and baby are alright though.

lynsef

I would replace them.  Glad you and baby are ok.

amandopolis

I was in a much more minor accident (going about 20 mph) than yours recently, and my insurance replaced my car seat.  I'd say better safe than sorry in your case.

kit443

I am really glad everything is okay! I would replace the seats as well.

Temp159135562506975

glad you are ok! and baby, too!

i got in a minor accident back in Nov - someone posted a link to a carseat safety site that listed what would require a new seat.... what i had- literally, VERY minor bump that didn't hurt the car in front of me- and barely hurt mine... no airbags... only about 30mph.... didn't require it as per this safety site.

but since there was a higher speed, airbags and an ER visit involved in your crash- i'd be safe and get new ones.

janjag

Thanks ladies.  Think I am still reeling from the last 24 hrs.  But what you say makes sense.  Will get on Diapers.com and have some new ones delivered.

emiliemadison

I'm so glad to hear you're ok. How scary!

To answer your question, yes, you NEED to replace your seats. Radian seats have a more lax policy on when to replace them, but in this case you definitely should. This was not a tiny fender bender. Even though your airbag didnt deploy, your crash meets the other qualifiers for replacement because the airbag in the other car deployed, you were injured (no matter HOW minor your injuries) and at 40 mph, your car was most certainly damaged.

The other person's insurance should cover the replacement. 

janjag

Goldie_Locks_5:

glad you are ok! and baby, too!

i got in a minor accident back in Nov - someone posted a link to a carseat safety site that listed what would require a new seat.... what i had- literally, VERY minor bump that didn't hurt the car in front of me- and barely hurt mine... no airbags... only about 30mph.... didn't require it as per this safety site.

but since there was a higher speed, airbags and an ER visit involved in your crash- i'd be safe and get new ones.

How are you liking your seats???  Coroco??  Might consider changing from Radian for the space issue when RF in our wagon. 

janjag

emiliemadison:

I'm so glad to hear you're ok. How scary!

To answer your question, yes, you NEED to replace your seats. Radian seats have a more lax policy on when to replace them, but in this case you definitely should. This was not a tiny fender bender. Even though your airbag didnt deploy, your crash meets the other qualifiers for replacement because the airbag in the other car deployed, you were injured (no matter HOW minor your injuries) and at 40 mph, your car was most certainly damaged.

The other person's insurance should cover the replacement. 

Ah, there are those cute kids

Thanks for your input!  Surprised Radian has a more lax policy given their emphasis on safety.

emiliemadison

janjag:

Goldie_Locks_5:

glad you are ok! and baby, too!

i got in a minor accident back in Nov - someone posted a link to a carseat safety site that listed what would require a new seat.... what i had- literally, VERY minor bump that didn't hurt the car in front of me- and barely hurt mine... no airbags... only about 30mph.... didn't require it as per this safety site.

but since there was a higher speed, airbags and an ER visit involved in your crash- i'd be safe and get new ones.

How are you liking your seats???  Coroco??  Might consider changing from Radian for the space issue when RF in our wagon. 

I'd get a Coccoro for the new baby for sure. It's one of the rare convertibles that actually fits newborns well. What kind of car do you have? The thing with Coccoros is that, because they are fairly short and only RF to 33 lbs, you will have to buy another harnessed seat before a booster. BUT, when you're in a situation where you have to get 3 across and all of the kiddos are pretty young like yours, it might be the best bet.

janjag

emiliemadison:

janjag:

Goldie_Locks_5:

glad you are ok! and baby, too!

i got in a minor accident back in Nov - someone posted a link to a carseat safety site that listed what would require a new seat.... what i had- literally, VERY minor bump that didn't hurt the car in front of me- and barely hurt mine... no airbags... only about 30mph.... didn't require it as per this safety site.

but since there was a higher speed, airbags and an ER visit involved in your crash- i'd be safe and get new ones.

How are you liking your seats???  Coroco??  Might consider changing from Radian for the space issue when RF in our wagon. 

I'd get a Coccoro for the new baby for sure. It's one of the rare convertibles that actually fits newborns well. What kind of car do you have? The thing with Coccoros is that, because they are fairly short and only RF to 33 lbs, you will have to buy another harnessed seat before a booster. BUT, when you're in a situation where you have to get 3 across and all of the kiddos are pretty young like yours, it might be the best bet.

We have a Volvo XC70.  Girls are currently behind drivers and passengers seats.  One thing I liked about Radian is the narrowness of the seats.  Now that we will have 3 across we really need the space too.

I don't plan on keeping them RF past baby's birth though (when they're 23mos) unless we get a minivan.  Not anticipating a minivan though

Maybe I should stick with Radian for the twins since they will turn around in a few months.  We'd get longer term use.

ljlkm

The California Insurance Code (Section 11580.011) provides that an auto insurance company must replace a car seat that is involved in an accident and was being used by a child.  This is included as part of your collision coverage and does not require a special kind of insurance or additional premium.  Unfortunately, since your kids weren't in the vehicle, your carrier isn't required to replace the seats under the insurance code.  That doesn't mean they won't--you should ask, anyway.

Additionally, the person responsible for the accident is liable for replacement of the seats as they are part of the property damage you sustained.  It should be relatively easy to prove that their replacement is necessary (just give them the manufacturer's recommendation and that should suffice).  The only drawback here is that it may take some time to get that money from the other carrier (it just always does). 

Good luck!

chloeloveless

I?m glad you?re doing ok. It would be best to replace your seats. Wouldn?t you be claiming from the other driver? I?m sure your car insurance claim should include new seats given the damage that has been inflicted at 40mph.