Tennessee car accident claims child’s life
Two middle Tennessee car accidents tragically claimed the lives of two children within 16 hours. Also, two other women were killed and 13 other people seriously injured. The child who died in the first wreck was not riding in a car seat.
Police said that the child, who was sitting on her mother’s lap and bound by her seat belt, was ejected on impact and died the next day in a hospital. This loss emphasis the importance of using a child safety seat. Following are safety tips from the government as to the proper use of child safety seats.
Seats are to be secured to the vehicle by a safety belts or by the LATCH system.
-Do not use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
-Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
-Child seat should be reclined at approximately a 45 degree angle.
-Harness straps at or below the child’s shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
-Harness straps should fit snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs. Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants).
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
-Do not use in a front seat where an air bag is present.
-Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear.
-Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle.
-Harness straps/slots at or below the child’s shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).
-Harness straps should fit snugly on child; harness clip at armpit level.
PRESCHOOLERS /
TODDLER 1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs. Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness.
Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.
-Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward.
-Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats).
-Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
YOUNG CHILDREN 4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’9″ (57″) tall. Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster.
NEVER use with lap-only belts-belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts.
-Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat.
-Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should never be placed under the arm or behind the back.
-Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area-not across the child’s stomach.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
