Tips after being in a car accident
Disclosure: Thank you to Combi for sending a replacement seat for our car to make my girls safe.
I haven’t mentioned it here yet, but a couple weeks ago, actually, the day before Type-A (which I probably haven’t talked about here either), I was rear-ended while at a dead stop on the freeway.
I went to labor and delivery and was monitored for 3 hours and had a blood test done. All is well and good, I’m just still having residual back and neck-pain (thank you pregnancy released relaxin).
While dealing with all of this (the person that hit me claimed there was another car that hit her. No car stopped. No witnesses, etc.), I’ve learned a couple things.
1. Even though they ask you to clear the lane immediately. If you can safely do it, I’d recommend snapping a picture of your cars. (and the lack of any other cars). Why? Because your insurance company and the other person’s insurance company want proof.
2. Once you safely get your car out of traffic, take more pictures. Even if it’s pictures of nothing (like the person’s bumper behind you showing no damage!)
3. Call the police and get a police report. Make your statement very clear to the officer so it can’t be questioned later.
4. Replace all car seats in your car. Thankfully, the girls weren’t in the car with me, but with very few exceptions (which I decided to not listen to), car seats should be replaced.
Some key features of the Kobuk:
- It is a booster seat that has a vented shell to allow air to circulate which helps your kids stay cool and comfortable in the car.
- It also features deep side walls which provide Tru-Safe® side impact protection the head, neck and torso.
- With a quick squeeze behind the head restraint, we can easily adjust the height for a more comfortable fit and enhanced safety, making it work for both our 7 year old and our 5 year old.
- While we haven’t used it yet this way, you can remove the backrest which allows the Kobuk to easily convert to a backless booster.
- Integrated belt guides allow for vertical and horizontal position of the vehicle seat belt for a customized fit.
- A padded, washable cover
- Removable cup holder provide comfort and convenience.
Things we like about the Kobuk:
- Side impact protection! It keeps the kiddos as safe as possible in a backed-booster seat.
- It goes up to 57 inches for the height limit. We have tall girls and I want them in a backed seat as long as possible to help with seatbelt positioning.
- The cover is removable and washable. So very important with kids and snacks and the car.
Things we didn’t like at first, but now totally make sense:
- The removable cup holder. It sort of sticks out and gets in the way. But, then when you realize how nasty another non-removable cup holder is in your car, you get it. Gross. This is way easier to remove and take into the house and clean.
- The arm-rests being so close to the seat. It does make the seat harder for the girls to buckle because the buckle doesn’t fit between the seat and the rest. However, once we show them how to go around it and then make sure the belt is positioned between it, it makes sense. It helps to ensure that the belt is positioned in the best way for the lap on which it sits keeping it as safe as possible.
Things we would like to see improved:
- Somehow, this seat seems heavier than other booster seats we’ve encountered. Being pregnant, it’s a little harder for me to juggle from car to car. Definitely not a deal-breaker, but just something to mention.
- It would be great if the removable cup holder could be stored in the side of the seat when not in use (pivoting inside of it), just to keep it out of the way. I’m not sure if this could be achieved or not with the removable functionality.
The Kobuk accommodates children 3 years old and 33- 125 lbs. and 33-57 inches. However, my preference is to keep my girls in a 5-pt harness until they reach the height or weight maximum, which for both of them was right around 5 years old…and they are very tall.
Buy it:
In addition to their website, Combi has an online store where you can make purchases. You should head over and check it out because they have some great prices (like 50% off) on their infant car seats and great deals on strollers.
I was wondering what the dimensions were like. Hubby needs a booster for Thing 2. In his car, but we need the slim width ones since he’s 3. Across in his car.
So, I copied this from the website:
Dimensions: 17.5″ L x 19″ W x 25.5″ H
Dimensions without back: 17.5″ L x 15.75″ W x 9.5″ H
I haven’t tried three across. It doesn’t seem to have a huge footrprint, but I don’t think you’d be able to use the cupholder.
Maybe with this my 4 y/o will stay in her seat…..
safety
I look for removable, washable covers, weight restrictions, and side impact protection.
I look for the weight and height limits. I would kike to get a booster that would keep my son in it for a long time.
I love the high chair in bronze
High back mostly. Narrow base because I have to fit 3 across.
The shuttle 33 for only $89 caught my eye!
These are great tips. I was also in a car accident when I was pregnant. I was rear ended while sitting at a red light, Its so scary I hope your feeling ok.
I didn’t realize you should replace a car seat after an accident.
Yes, most manufacturers state after any type of accident. It’s always best to contact them directly. They just can’t guarantee there isn’t any structural damage to the plastic or any other part of the seat.
glad you are okay…. and that looks like a great booster 😉
My favorite feature is that it has a back to it.
The Shuttle 35- Cranberry at 99.99 ($100 savings) Seems like a good deal to me!
I look for sturdy built, comfortable padding, how well the seatbelt fits across… wait, that’s more than one feature. We had an excellent Combi stroller that lasted for many miles of walks, until my kids outgrew it. I loved that thing!
The Cosmo- Graphite Scribble stroller – Originally $129.99, NOW ONLY $79.99. As I said, I’ve had an excellent experience with a Combi stroller for years.
Oh my heart that’s terrifying! I’m so glad you and the little one are okay. That was great of the company to send the replacement seat. Speaks volumes about them!
How scary! I’m so happy you are ok (and baby). I didn’t realize seats would need to be changed out no matter what – question, where did you bring the old seats? Photo phones are pretty convenient these days. 🙂
Yes, according to most of the manufacturers, they should be replaced. I’d always defer to them for the official word.
I didn’t bring the old seats anywhere. I just took them apart and cut the straps off as was recommended by the manufacturers. <-That's a picture of mine all taken apart and straps cut. Some also recommend putting pieces in the trash a couple days apart if you are worried you might have people taking them out of the trash. However, I put mine in a large can so I don't think anybody even knew they were in there. And, your auto insurance company (if a claim is filed) should help with the replacement or take care of the replacement, too..I hope you never have to worry about it!
ohhh this is very cleve designing!
I like to look for comfort , I don’t want my kids to be uncomfortable on long rides (which we take often as most of our family is out of town) .
safety is key for us always.
We are actually currently looking for a booster seat right now for my 4.5 year old. We are looking specifically at comfort, safety, and price – in no particular order. (Except for safety!)
I’m loving the $80 strollers at Combi!!!
Such good tips and I bet a lot of people don’t realize that you need to get new car seats after an accident. So glad you are doing okay.
I look for a safe yet comfortable booster seat.
Shuttle 35- Cranberry what a great deal!
I look for the best safety features! ……..And the Cosmo- Sand stroller is on sale for $79.99!!!! wow!
I like: halo-sleepsack-wearable-blanket-100-cotton-stripes-elephant/
We were just in an accident last week with 3 small children in the van. Thank goodness no one was hurt. I feel very blessed our children were left unscathed. Thank god for wel built car seats!