Carseats after an accident

[macksdad]

I was in a bad car accident on Tuesday. My car was t-boned by a kawasaki motorcycle that was speeding. I was the only one in the car and my two car seats were unoccupied (thank god). It was determined that I was not at fault in the accident.

I guess that my question is: Because the seats were not occupied, do they need to be replaced? They were not damaged in the accident at all. THe rear quarter of my honda accord was ripped from the frame of the car. Only the air bags were deployed near the seat closest to the impact. The seats came away without being impacted or even scratched.

[o_mom]

Call the manufacturer and ask, but it probably does not meet the NHTSA guidelines for a 'minor' accident since the airbags went off. Insurance should pay to replace the seats, but they may fuss about it. Just go up the chain of command until they agree. You should also get full replacement value, not depreciated value since you cannot buy a used seat.

[bubbaray]

I'd replace the seats. Get your ins. co to replace your seats. If they refuse, ask for a letter of indemnity -- they will replace your seats instead of giving that.

Hope you are OK.


Melissa

DD#1: 04/2004

DD#2: 01/2007

[macksdad]

I am a little sore, but otherwise ok. What is a letter of indemnity?

[Mommy Of A Little Angel]

You can contact the car seat manufacturer as PP have suggested. I had an accident a few months back (nobody was in the car at the time - long story!). I told the person's insurance company that there was an unoccupied car seat and she didn't even take a second to tell me they would replace it. My accident wasn't as bad as yours sounds either. I would ask - usually insurance companies will err on the side of caution when it comes to car seats.

[babystuffbuff]

>>What is a letter of indemnity?

A letter that guarantees that the seats are 100% safe to use and no injury will result from their continued use. If anything happened to your kids while they were using the seats, the insurance company would be responsible. Not something they will want to give you; it's much safer for everyone all around for them to buy you new seats.

I'm glad you are okay. :)

Sarah

Auntie to my seven (soon to be eight!) munchkins, and TTC in October!!!

[ctc221]

Sorry to hear about the accident. Hope you're feeling better.

DH was rear-ended w/ 2 empty car seats in the car. He mentioned it to our insurance co., and they told us to buy 2 new car seats and send them the receipt for reimbursement. Better safe then sorry.

HTH!

AC

DD 02/02
DS 11/04