Car safety features like seatbelts and airbags are designed to protect you during a crash, reducing the risks of serious injuries. Unfortunately, there are cases where these critical systems fail, leading to or worsening injuries in an accident. If you suspect a seatbelt or airbag failure contributed to your injuries, understanding the potential causes, legal implications, and steps to take can help you protect your rights and seek fair compensation.
How Seatbelt and Airbag Failures Can Cause Injuries
When functioning correctly, seatbelts and airbags save lives by minimizing the force of impact and keeping passengers secure. However, when these systems malfunction, they can cause significant harm instead of preventing it.
Seatbelt Failures
Seatbelts are your first line of defense in a collision. However, if they fail, the consequences can be severe. Common seatbelt failures include:
- Latch Issues: The buckle may fail to latch securely or unlatch unexpectedly during a crash, leaving you unrestrained.
- Tearing or Fraying Webbing: Worn-out seatbelt material may tear under stress, not protect impact.
- Retractor Failures: The mechanisms designed to tighten the belt during a crash may not work, leaving you vulnerable to injuries.
- Improper Design or Fit: Poorly designed seatbelts may fail to effectively restrain passengers, especially in certain body types or seating positions.
Airbag Failures
Airbags are engineered to deploy during a collision to cushion passengers and reduce the risk of head, neck, and chest injuries. However, failures in airbags may include:
- Failure to Deploy: If the airbag doesn’t deploy during a crash, you lose a vital safety cushion, increasing the chance of serious injuries.
- Unexpected Deployment: An airbag deploying without a collision can startle drivers or injure passengers.
- Defective Design: Airbags may inflate with excessive force, causing burns, fractures, or internal injuries.
- Chemical Errors: Some airbags, like those involved in past recalls, may contain faulty components that cause explosions during deployment, sending shrapnel into the cabin.
The failure of these safety systems can turn what should have been a survivable crash into a life-threatening situation.
Potential Causes of Seatbelt and Airbag Failures
Safety system failures can happen for several reasons, and identifying the root cause is critical in determining who may be responsible.
Manufacturing Defects
A defect in the design or assembly of the seatbelt or airbag can cause it to malfunction. Poor-quality materials or faulty electronics can lead to failure during an accident.
Negligent Maintenance
If a dealership, repair shop, or vehicle owner neglects to maintain or repair safety systems properly, they could fail. For instance, improper repairs may disable the airbag system without the driver’s knowledge.
Vehicle Recalls
Over the years, several major recalls have focused on defective seatbelts and airbags, including well-known manufacturers like Takata airbags. If your vehicle has a known recall that wasn’t addressed, it might explain the failure.
Improper Installation
Improper installation of safety systems can lead to failure in used or serviced vehicles. This is often the case with aftermarket replacements that don’t meet the manufacturer’s standards.
Legal Implications of Seatbelt and Airbag Failures
When a safety system fails during a collision, it could point to a defect or negligence that warrants legal action. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be held responsible for your injuries, including manufacturers, repair shops, or others involved in the vehicle’s maintenance and design.
Product Liability Claims
If a defect in the seatbelt or airbag caused the failure, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. This type of claim doesn’t require you to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused harm.
Negligence Claims
If improper repair or maintenance led to the failure, you could sue the mechanic, dealership, or other party responsible for the vehicle’s upkeep. Proving negligence involves showing that their actions (or failure to act) directly caused your injuries.
Potential Compensation
If you successfully pursue legal action for a seatbelt or airbag failure, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses (current and future care)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A legal professional can help you understand your rights and the types of damages you can claim based on your specific case.
Steps to Take If You Suspect a Failure
If you believe a seatbelt or airbag failure caused your injuries, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and safety should always come first. Even if your injuries seem minor, get a thorough medical evaluation to diagnose and document any issues related to the incident.
2. Preserve Evidence
Keep the damaged vehicle untouched if possible, as it may serve as essential evidence. Photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and the vehicle can also help strengthen your case.
3. Request an Inspection
A professional inspection of your vehicle’s safety systems can reveal whether a defect or failure occurred. Make sure to consult a qualified expert with experience in automotive safety components.
4. Report the Incident
Notify your insurance company and provide details about the suspected failure. Additionally, check for recalls or previous complaints related to your vehicle’s safety systems.
5. Consult a Legal Professional
Seatbelt and airbag failure cases can be complex, often involving multiple parties and technical evidence. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring no detail is overlooked and advocating for your rightful compensation.
Automotive Defect Attorneys in Kansas City
If you're concerned about the safety of your vehicle's seatbelt or airbag systems, or if you've experienced a failure that resulted in injury, don't hesitate to seek professional legal advice. Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman, CHTD, located in Kansas City, MO, specializes in personal injury cases and can provide the expertise and support you need. Contact us today at (816) 542-5999 to discuss your case and explore your options for pursuing compensation. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we're here to help you every step of the way.