Colorado takes child safety seriously. Whether you are expecting a baby or are the parent of a minor child, you must follow the state’s Child Passenger Safety Law. These are outlined in the article below and Colorado Child Passenger Safety Law.
Child car seats and safety restraints are preventative measures meant to secure your child in the event of a collision, but they cannot prevent accidents. If a negligent driver injured your child, you may be eligible to recover for their medical expenses and suffering.
Contact an experienced Denver car accident attorney for more information and a claim review.
Colorado’s Child Passenger Safety Law
In Colorado, the vehicle driver is responsible for properly restraining any child passengers. It does not matter if children are transported in a privately or commercially owned vehicle.
Children must be properly restrained whether they are in the front or back seats of a vehicle. Colorado’s Child Passenger Safety Law applies to children up to age 15.
What is a Child Restraint System?
A child restraint system is a seating system that meets federal motor vehicle standards. It is either permanently attached to a motor vehicle or its safety belt system and is designed to protect, hold, or restrain a child to prevent or minimize injury.
The age and size of the child define Colorado’s child restraint requirements.
Colorado’s Child Restraint Requirements
Colorado’s child restraint requirements are as follows:
- Children under one and weighing less than 20 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing child restraint system in a rear seat of the vehicle;
- Children one to four and weighing 20 to 40 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing or forward-facing child restraint system;
- Children up to eight must be secured in a booster seat or another child restraint system according to manufacturer instructions;
- Children eight to 15 must be restrained in a safety belt or another child restraint system according to manufacturer instructions;
- Children at least 6 or 55 inches tall must be properly restrained with the motor vehicle’s safety belt.
Drivers who violate Colorado’s Child Passenger Safety Law are subject to ticketing, fines, and surcharges.
Exceptions to Colorado’s Child Restraint Requirements
There are exceptions to Colorado’s child restraint requirements. The requirements are not applicable when:
- A child under eight is being transported in a motor vehicle as the result of a medical or other life‑threatening emergency, and a child restraint system is not available;
- A child is being transported in a commercial motor vehicle that a child care center operates; or
- A child is being transported in a motor vehicle operated by, or on behalf of, a common carrier, contract carrier, or luxury limousine service.
If your child was injured on a bus or in a child car van, you may qualify for compensation to pay their doctor bills, hospital visits, and other expenses. A Denver car accident attorney can discuss a personal injury claim with you during an initial consultation.
Contact an Experienced Denver Car Accident Attorney Today
Speak with a skilled car accident attorney at Dulin McQuinn Young about your child’s accident-related injuries. We are a successful Denver personal injury law firm with decades of experience representing victims of negligent drivers and companies.
Dulin McQuinn Young will fight to ensure your child receives the maximum amount of compensation for their car accident injuries. Do not wait to schedule your risk-free consultation.
Call Dulin McQuinn Young at (303) 246-1111 to learn more.