If you have young children, it is crucial to be aware of South Carolina’s child passenger restraint laws. Using the wrong child restraint system may lead to a fine and put your child at risk of serious injury if you are involved in an accident with your child in the vehicle.
SC Laws on Forward-Facing, Rear-Facing, and Booster Seats for Children
Under South Carolina law, young children must be secured in age-appropriate restraint systems. These requirements include:
- Children up to 2 years old must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system unless the child exceeds the system’s height or weight limits, in which case the child should be placed in a forward-facing child restraint system placed in the rear seat.
- Children 2 to 3 years old must be secured in a forward-facing child restraint system in the vehicle’s rear seat until they outgrow the system’s height or weight limits.
- Children 4 to 7 years old who have outgrown a forward-facing child restraint system must be seated in a belt-positioning booster seat in the rear seat until they reach 4’9” and can wear an adult seat belt with proper fit.
Violations of South Carolina’s child restraint system law carry a $150 fine, although the fine may be waived with proof of acquisition of an appropriate child restraint system or booster seat.
Helpful Tips for Ensuring Safety for Child Passengers in South Carolina
Tips for ensuring that your children can ride safely in the car include:
- Always use booster seats for children until they reach 4’9” and can properly wear an adult seat belt, which means the lower belt goes over the hips (not the abdomen) and the upper belt goes across the middle of the chest (not the neck).
- Children under the age of 12 should always ride in the back seat, if available, to reduce the risk of injury from airbag deployment in the event of an accident.
- Children should preferably continue riding in the rear seat until they reach driving age.
How Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help If Your Child Was Injured in a Wreck
If your child is injured in a car crash, the South Carolina car accident lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm can help your family by:
- Securing evidence and building a solid case to show how the other driver or another party caused the crash
- Documenting your child’s injuries and calculating the past, ongoing, and future expenses and losses that you deserve to be compensated for
- Identifying liable parties and applicable insurance coverage
- Filing your claim and vigorously pursuing settlement negotiations to try to secure fair compensation for you
- Pursuing your claims in court and at trial when litigation gives you the best chance at maximum financial recovery
Contact Us Today for Your Free Consultation
If you or your child was injured in a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the crash. Contact Jebaily Law Firm by phone or online to speak with one of our South Carolina car accident attorneys about your rights and legal options.
