At What Age Can Kids Sit in the Front Seat of a Car in Washington?

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for children in the United States. Car safety seats and seatbelts are effective ways to protect children during car accidents. According to RCW §46.61.687, children under 13 years old are to ride in the back seat positions of a vehicle where it is practical to do so. The law also requires child safety seats as follows:

• Children under two years old should ride in a rear-facing child safety seat
• Children under four years old not riding in a rear-facing child seat should be in a forward-facing child seat
• Children who cannot ride in a rear or front-facing car seat and are under four feet nine inches tall must ride in a child booster seat

Washington law recognizes that some children may outgrow a child safety seat before they reach a specific age. Therefore, children should ride in the required child safety seat until they reach a specific age or exceed the manufacturer’s weight or height restrictions for the seat. A violation of one of these laws can result in a traffic infraction. However, the court may dismiss the traffic infraction if the parent provides proof of purchase or acquisition of an appropriate child safety seat within seven days and has not previously violated this section.

Children Sustain Serious Injuries in Seattle Car Accidents

Even when a child is correctly secured in a child safety seat, booster seat, or seatbelt, they can sustain severe injuries in a car accident. Common child injuries caused by car accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Back and neck injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Amputations and lost limbs
• Nerve damage

Car accident injuries can cause cognitive, physical, and developmental impairments in children. The long-term effects of a car accident injury may not be known for some time after the accident. Prompt medical attention is crucial to accurately diagnosing a child’s injuries and determining a prognosis for their recovery.

What Damages Can Children Recover for Car Accident Claims?

A parent or legal guardian can file a car accident claim on behalf of a child. The child may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Damages for a child personal injury claim may include:

• Pain and suffering
• The cost of past and future medical treatment, including rehabilitative therapy and treatment
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Out-of-pocket expenses, including special education and personal care
• Long-term disability and impairment
• The loss of future earning capacity
• Diminished quality of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life

The amount a child receives for a car accident settlement depends on the factors involved in the case. An experienced child injury lawyer can help parents obtain expert opinions from child development specialists, medical experts, and others to prove the severity of a child’s injuries and the value of their damages.

What Should I Do if My Child Is Injured in a Car Accident in Washington?

Your child’s well-being is the priority after a car accident. Steps you can take to protect your child’s health and legal rights include:

• Call 911 to report the accident.
• If possible, preserve evidence by taking photographs of the accident scene and making a video.
• Do not admit fault for the crash or discuss the details with anyone other than a police officer.
• Ask eyewitnesses and bystanders for their names and contact details.
• Do not make assumptions about fault when providing the officer with details of the accident.
• Seek immediate medical treatment for your child.
• Document your child’s injuries with photographs, medical records, and other documentation.

It can be difficult to focus on a legal claim when your child is injured. Hiring an attorney allows you to focus your attention on your child while the attorney works to protect their legal rights.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Car Accident Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and it’s surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7