What Utah and Nevada Parents Need to Know
Even a fender bender can raise big questions—especially when kids are involved. One of the most common concerns we hear from parents after a crash is, “Do I need to replace my child’s car seat?”
If you live in St. George, Utah, Cedar City, or Mesquite, Nevada, this article is for you. As personal injury attorneys who help local families every day, we want to break down what you need to know about replacing a car seat after an accident, what the manufacturers say, and how the law (and insurance) factors in.
Manufacturer Guidelines Come First
When it comes to car seat safety, the first place to turn isn’t state law—it’s the car seat manufacturer. Many car seat brands recommend replacing the seat after any crash, even a minor one. That’s because damage isn’t always visible. Internal parts of the seat may be weakened, and that can affect how well it protects your child in a future collision.
Some brands follow guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which allow continued use in a “minor” crash—but only if ALL of these very specific conditions are met:
- The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.
- The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
- None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash.
- If the vehicle has air bags, the air bags did not deploy during the crash; and
- There is no visible damage to the car seat.
If any of these statements are not true, then the seat should absolutely be replaced.
But here’s the key: not all manufacturers follow NHTSA’s exceptions. That’s why it’s important to read the manual or call the manufacturer directly. If they recommend replacement, do it—no questions asked.
What About Utah and Nevada Laws?
Here’s the deal: Utah and Nevada do not have specific car seat accident replacement laws. That means there’s no legal requirement to replace your car seat after a crash.
But don’t let that give you false peace of mind. If your seat’s manual recommends replacement, that’s your safest—and smartest—move. Plus, failing to follow those recommendations could complicate things if you’re involved in another accident down the road.
Will Insurance Pay for a Replacement?
Often, yes. If you weren’t at fault in the accident, the other driver’s insurance should cover the cost of replacing the car seat. Even if the crash was minor, insurance companies will usually honor the manufacturer’s instructions. Some policies may even cover the cost under your own coverage.
It’s a good idea to save your receipt, take a few photos of the seat and damage, and keep a copy of the accident report if you have one. These simple steps can help make the process smoother.
If your claim is denied or delayed, we’re here to help. Our team works with families in St. George, Cedar City, and Mesquite to get fair treatment from insurers—and we’re happy to step in if needed.
The Bottom Line: When in Doubt, Replace It
If you’re unsure whether to replace your car seat after a crash, err on the side of caution. Most manufacturers and safety experts agree: it’s better to replace a car seat than risk using one that might not offer full protection.
We understand it’s one more thing to worry about after a crash. But if it helps keep your child safe, it’s worth it.
Have Questions? We Can Help.
At Injury Smart Law, we’ve built our practice on helping families through tough moments—big or small. Whether you need guidance on car seat accident replacement law, help dealing with insurance, or advice after a personal injury, we’re here for you.
We proudly serve clients across southern Utah and Nevada, including St. George, Cedar City, and Mesquite, Nevada. If you’ve been in an accident and aren’t sure what to do next, give us a call. Let’s make sure your family is protected—on the road and off.