Attorneys at the Lilly, O'Toole and Brown law firm in Central Florida handle personal injury and accident lawsuits in Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, FL and surrounding communities. Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation. No recovery; no fee!

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Claims Involving Children


The Firm’s Bartow office is located in the Historic E.A. Law Building located just two blocks from the Polk County Courthouse.

Kids & Cars

Serving Central Florida, Orlando and Tampa, FL

Personal injury claims involving childrenChild Safety Restraints

It's the law for children (newborn to 18 years of age) to be in safety restraints when riding in cars, pick-up trucks or vans in Florida.

Types of Restraints

  • Rear-facing Child Safety Seat for children 5 pounds up to 20-30 pounds.*
  • Convertible Child Safety Seat: rear-facing for children 5 pounds up to 30-35 pounds and forward for children 30-35 to 40-65 pounds.*
  • Front-Facing Only Child Safety Seat: Front-facing only from 30-35 to 40-65 pounds.* Usually harness straps can be removed and be used as a booster seat up to 80 or 100 pounds.*
  • Booster Seat for children who weigh 40-100 pounds and under 4'9" to 5' tall using the lap and shoulder belts of the vehicle only.
  • Seat belt for all other children at all times.

When Shopping For a Child Safety Restraint, Make Sure:

  • The harness straps adjust easily for a snug fit.
  • The recline feature is convenient, but should be used for rear-facing only.
  • The shoulder straps switch easily to higher slots as your child grows.
  • The seat "fits" your vehicle.
  • The seat "fits" your budget.
  • The seat is new. Never use a second hand seat as it may have been involved in a crash, have hidden damage, have been recalled or may be expired.

For Proper Installation

Refer to the owner's manual of your vehicle and the child safety restraint owners manual when installing the safety seat in your vehicle.

  • Always place your child in the back seat.
  • Make sure the vehicle seat belt is locked*
  • If using LATCH in the center of the back seat read the owners manual of your vehicle to verify that is a secure position. It may not be allowed.
  • Be sure you are using LATCH OR the vehicles seat belt, NOT BOTH
  • Improper installation/misuse of a safety restraint could increase your child's chance of injury or death in the event of a crash.

Airbags

Airbags, when used with seat belts, save lives, but airbags and children do not mix. Place your child in the back seat, especially if your car is equipped with a passenger-side airbag. Children are at risk of injury or death if they are not restrained, are improperly restrained or are too close to the dashboard when an airbag explodes. Airbags explode with tremendous force, so even a low-speed crash could result in injury or death. Remember airbags are active even when the key is not in the ignition.

The SAFEST place for a child to ride is in the Back seat!

Helpful Hints

  • Be consistent - always place your child in a safety restraint, no matter how long/short the trip.
  • Be firm - tell the child that the car doesn't "go" until he/she is buckled properly.
  • Set a good example - always wear your seat belt.
  • Bring soft toys and activities to keep your child busy during the ride.
  • Encourage your child to look out the window.
  • Use positive reinforcement when your child behaves in the car seat.

For More Information Contact:

 

Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
Bartow Office: (863) 533-5525M
Sebring Office: (863) 471-0003
Lake Wales Office: (863) 676-1991
Haines City Office: (863) 422-1282
Wauchula Office: (863) 767-1111

Also providing legal assistance to clients from:
Wauchula, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Plant City, Brandon, and Valrico, Florida.

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