Manufacturers are responsible for making safe products, but for a variety of reasons, dangerous consumer products still make it onto the market with defects. While most people are familiar with car recalls, recalls for defective car seats can be just as dangerous. Unlike auto parts recalls, recalls for child safety seats are much more difficult to tackle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only 40% of recalled car seats ever get repaired.
Why Do So Few Recalled Defective Car Seats Get Fixed?
When a person purchases a car, manufacturers receive contact information from the buyer. So, when a car is recalled, manufacturers can send recall information to the addresses, emails, and phone numbers collected from car owners. Unfortunately, car seat manufacturers do not receive this type of information when a person purchases a car seat. This means in the event of a child seat recall, it is difficult for manufacturers to find owners and inform them of the recall.
Tips For Car Seat Recall Safety
- Register your car seat with the NHTSA. In the event of a recall, the NHTSA will have your information on file and will be able to inform you. You can register your car seat on the NHTSA website.
- Avoid using pre-owned car seats. It’s important to know the condition and history of a car seat to ensure it is safe for your child. Used car seats could be hiding dangerous defects. If you decide to use a pre-owned car seat, check its recall status on the NHTSA website.
- Follow the recall instructions provided by the manufacturer. Once you receive recall information, follow the instructions exactly. Deviating from the manufacturer’s guidelines could put your child at risk.
- Do not use a recalled child seat. You might not think putting a child in a recalled child seat is that dangerous, but this could not be farther from the truth. Putting a child in a recalled car seat, even for one short drive, could have disastrous consequences.
Corpus Christi Auto Products Liability Attorneys
When manufacturers fail to provide safe products and fail to properly warn consumers of potential dangers, they need to be held responsible. If your child was injured by a defective car seat, call the Corpus Christi auto products liability attorneys at The Gutierrez Law Firm today. We can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
