Seat Belt Defects Can Fail to Prevent Serious Injuries In Auto Accidents
Over the years, the various safety features in vehicles have undergone significant improvements. Airbags and seat belts alone have saved countless lives and prevented severe injuries. Special considerations for materials and chassis have similarly led to innovations that improve driver and passenger safety.
And yet, there are times when auto companies and parts manufacturers fail to create effective products and vehicles. Sometimes the degree of negligence is significant, which is when you should consult our legal team. Our personal injury lawyers will fight for you following auto accident injuries caused by vehicle defects. A significant kind of vehicle defect involves flaws in seat belts, which we want to consider right now.
Common Flaws That May Affect Seat Belts
Some of the most common and deadly seat belt flaws include:
- Defective safety latches/buckles
- Excessive slack on lap and shoulder belts
- Poorly secured door/seat belt mounts
- Failure for belts to lock
- Unintentional/sudden belt unlatching
How These Flaws Affect Accident Victims During Collisions
When a sudden impact occurs, seat belts are meant to restrain victims from flying too far forward or out of position, minimizing injury. When belts come unbuckled or restraints are loose, it is possible for drivers and passengers to be jarred suddenly or be flung from their seats, increasing the chances of serious injuries.
Sometimes when belts are improperly positioned, they can cause serious internal injuries or injuries to the accident victim's spine. All of these matters need to be taken into account by auto companies when they are designing their vehicle safety systems.
Defects and Child Safety Seats
Babies and toddlers are too small to safely use regular passenger seat belts. Because of this, it's important for them to ride in child safety seats that account for their smaller size. However, these child restraints can be defective as well. In some cases, the belts and buckles of these safety seats are faulty and may come undone or be poorly positioned, or the seat itself may be angled at an incline, posing major dangers to the child. Worse, the material of the child safety seat itself can pose a danger if it cracks or shatters or is structurally unsound to begin with.
Taking On Negligent Auto Companies and Parts Manufacturers
Our car accident attorneys are not intimidated by auto compannies or big business. We fight for consumers and their rights, which means that we will take negligent parties to task no matter who they may be. We will seek compensation to cover medical bills and other losses, and we will also do our best to turn the accident into a moment of potential reform, helping improve industry safety standards and quality-control practices.
If the defective seat belt results in the death of a loved one, we will be sure to seek compensation to aid in the coping, morning, and recovery process. Your loved one may not be brought back, but giving clients peace of mind will help them move forward with their lives.
Learn More About Product Liability Lawsuits
If you or someone that you love has been injured in an auto accident, it is of the utmost importance that you contact our Salt Lake City, Utah personal injury lawyers today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you make the best possible choices with regard to any legal matters that you may face.
