Do I need a new car seat?

[Bubbaloo]

My mum bought ds a car seat from Mothercare last week (for her car) and so far it hasn't been used.However,she had an accident with a lorry yesterday and although it wasn't serious and no one was hurt(bonnet and passenger side are dented and scratched a little bit),the insurance company will probably be righting her car off as it's fairly old and will cost more to replace a new side panel and spraying it etc...
Obviously the car seat still looks exactly the same,but I have heard that you shouldn't use them after they've been in an accident and wondered whether this would appply or whether it was only in head on collisions,rear shunting or similar.
Any views would be much appreciated.

Tia.

I think and this is only my opinion that its only if the child is in the seat as the straps get stretchedor damaged. If the seat was no where near the site of the accident I would be reluctant to change it.

This was discussed here recently

That makes alot of sense-I always wondered the reasoning behind changing the car seat.
Does seem a waste to buy a new car seat when this one has never been used,but obviously if it wasn't safe,I wouldn't think twice about it.

Thanks for the link,Littleducks-x posted with you.Still none the wiser though.

Dont forget to render the one you have unusuable to stop someone selling it on! This was when i realised the damage on mine

Oh, didnt reaslise the x post, nowhere will check is safe for you unfortunately, prob not worth the risk, poss claim on insurance, presumerably you have receipt etc. as it was so new