Defective Car Seat Lawyer

A child’s car seat is one of the most important purchases a parent makes. Car seats are specifically designed for newborns, infants, and young children, and when installed and used correctly, they can save a young life. Unfortunately, some car seats have defects that can cause serious injuries to a child, even when used exactly as intended.

If you suspect your child’s car seat has a defect, contact the defective car seat attorneys at The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a free consultation.

What Makes a Car Seat Defective?

Car seat defects generally fall into a few categories:

• Buckle and harness failures — a buckle that unexpectedly releases, or a harness that fails to keep a child properly restrained in a crash
• Base or seat detachment — the car seat or its base separating from the vehicle’s seat during a collision
• Structural failures — the shell of the seat cracking or collapsing under crash forces it was designed to withstand
• Flammability and material defects — padding, foam, or other components posing choking or chemical exposure risks

Car seat manufacturers are recalled regularly for these kinds of issues — recalls happen on an ongoing basis and can affect even well-known, trusted brands. If your child was injured while properly using a car seat, it’s worth checking whether the seat has been recalled and having your case reviewed by an attorney, regardless of whether a recall has been issued yet.

Check for a recall: You can search your car seat’s exact model and manufacture date at NHTSA’s official recall tool. Recalls apply to specific models and date ranges, so it’s important to check your seat’s actual label rather than assuming a recall does or doesn’t apply based on the brand name alone.

Children’s Car Seat Laws

Every state has its own rules and regulations regarding the use of a child’s car seat. In California, current law requires:

• Children under the age of 8 (or shorter than 4’9″) to be properly secured in a child restraint system and placed in a rear seat.
• Children under the age of 2 (less than 40 lbs., or under 40″) to be properly secured in a rear-facing child restraint system.
• Children in rear-facing car seats to be placed in a rear seat if there is an active passenger airbag.
• Violation of the child passenger safety law is a standard offense, subject to fines.

Upcoming change: California has passed new legislation (AB 435) that will change certain child restraint requirements starting January 1, 2027, including adjustments to the age threshold and a new seat belt fit test for transitioning children out of restraint systems. We’ll update this page with the finalized details as the effective date approaches — if your child is nearing the current age or height cutoffs, it’s worth checking back or asking your attorney about how the new law may affect you.

If you’re outside California, requirements vary by state — check your own state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Highway Patrol for the specific rules that apply where you live.

The Barnes Firm Is Here to Help

For more information on car seat laws around the country, please visit this resource: exchange.aaa.com/safety/child-passenger-safety/

If your child has been injured by a defective car seat, contact The Barnes Firm or call us for a free legal consultation.