Defective Seat Belt Lawsuits in California
Seat belts, designed to shield passengers from harm in the event of an accident, unfortunately, can also be the primary cause or a contributing factor to serious injuries in a car crash when they are defective.
Seat belts and automakers must design and construct seat belts that are crashworthy and/or can withstand the events of a potential accident.
However, seat belts frequently fail to fulfill their intended purpose, which is to keep passengers from colliding with objects in the car and to prevent passenger ejection from the automobile. Ultimately, seat belts may cause serious injury.
We Will Guide You Through The Process Of Filing A Claim
A time after an auto accident may be a confusing time for both the injured person as well as their loved ones, who may carry the burden of caring both physically and financially for the injured person.
Understanding the claim process, especially when dealing with insurance companies, can be a daunting task, particularly when trying to determine the true cause of the accident and the injuries sustained. This complexity underscores the need for experienced legal guidance.
It is crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side. Our lawyers, with their extensive knowledge and expertise, will guide you through the complicated process of filing claims with insurance companies. They will work with the best experts in the field to determine whether a seat belt defect could have possibly caused and/or could have contributed to the injuries suffered in an auto accident.
Seat Belts Are Frequently A Contributing Factor Of Injuries
Normally, experts divide collision accidents into two phases: phase one, where one vehicle impacts another vehicle and/or another object, and phase two, where the impact of the vehicle causes the occupants to come into contact with the interior of the vehicle and potentially other objects (i.e., in the case of ejection).
Seat belt failure can harm a passenger during the second collision phase of an auto accident. Just as with other safety devices, a seat belt is meant to minimize the injuries and damage caused in a second collision by reducing or eliminating contact between the passenger and/or the vehicle's interior.
Nevertheless, seat belts frequently cause and/or contribute to injuries. Injuries due to seat belts often occur when there is a seat belt design, production, or installation defect.
Types of Seat Belt Defects include:
- Inertial unlatching: when a belt latch releases during an accident
- False latching: occurs when the buckle feels and appears latched but comes loose during an accident
- Material or weaving defects in the belt, resulting in tears or rips
- Seat belt retractor failure: causes the belt to become slack in an accident
- Poor seat belt geometry (design)
- Door-mounted belts
- Lap-only belt designs
Signs of a Possible Seat Belt Defect include:
- More than one belted passenger sustained serious injuries during a collision
- The injured occupant is unbelted but insists they were belted before the accident
- A belted passenger makes contact with the windshield or is ejected out of the vehicle
- A belted victim suffers injuries in an accident with little vehicle damage
- A seat belt is found torn or otherwise damaged following an accident
Unfortunately, seat belt failure is still a significant problem that causes serious injury and death to many people in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 3 million people suffer injuries caused by seat belt failure every year.
Moreover, approximately 40,000 people die due to this preventable auto defect annually. Recognizing that seat belt failure is preventable, experts have found that it is one of the prime factors causing serious injury in accidents during which a vehicle flips over (i.e., rollover accident). This knowledge empowers us to take action and seek justice.
Seat Belt Recalls and Adequate Warnings
While these are the most common indicators and causes of seat belt failure in vehicle accidents, other circumstances may also indicate that such a defect is responsible for injuries and death. While several vehicles have been recalled due to seat belt failure, many people have not been adequately warned and protected from this preventable cause of injury.
Severe injuries which defective seat belts may cause:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Brain or Head Injury
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Death
Secondary injuries that defective seat belts may cause:
- Contusions/Concussions
- Cracked Sternum (sternal fracture)
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Vertebrae Injuries
- Soft-Tissue Damage
- Aneurysm
- Burst Appendix
- Ruptured Spleen
- Bowel Injury
- Intestinal Injury
When seat belt failure/defect occurs in an accident and results in injury to a person, a victim has a legal right to seek compensation for their loss, pain, and suffering through a legal claim.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of injuries caused or exacerbated by a potentially defective seat belt, remember that you have the right to seek justice. By taking legal action, you not only protect your rights but also contribute to preventing similar incidents in the future. Call our office, and we will fight for your rights and get the best result possible under the circumstances.
An experienced attorney will fight for your rights and get the best result possible under the circumstances. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Their goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, providing you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
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