Austin Seat Belt Failure Lawyer

Automakers and seat belt manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the safety devices that they put into vehicles work properly. Safety belts should always work in accordance with the industry standards established by regulators and Texas common law. If you or your loved one was involved in a crash — and injuries occur or were made worse by a defective seat belt — all negligent companies involved in the manufacture, installation, and sale of the product should be identified and held liable for their share of the misconduct.

Seat belt injury compensation claims are complicated. In these cases, it is crucial that the seat belt failure, and the extent to which it caused or exacerbated a victim’s injuries, is determined. This requires an in-depth investigation. Through a product liability claim, injured victims can seek compensation for medical bills and related expenses, lost current and future wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, long-term disability, and the wrongful death of a family member.

Seat Belt Injury Causes

While seat belts are life-saving devices, they do not prevent all injuries and may even cause injuries themselves. The NHTSA estimates that over 15,000 seat belt injuries occur every year. Car accident seat belt injuries can be caused or worsened by:

• Accident severity
• Exceptionally tight restraints
• Safety belt malfunction
• Improper placement
• Manufacturer defect

More specifically, some of the most common issues that cause modern seat belts to fail include:

• Sudden unlatching of the device during a crash
• Use of weak material that tears during a collision
• Electronic/sensor problems

When key components of a vehicle are faulty, the results can be catastrophic. Details such as airbags, auto glass, and seat belts can be the difference between life and death if you’re in a car accident. A dedicated Austin lawyer could help with demonstrating that a seat belt was defective after a crash.

Types of Seat Belt Injuries

Seat belts can cause serious injuries such as:

• Abdominal Injuries – The tightening of a seat belt during an accident can cause bruising to the skin and muscles of the abdomen.
• Shoulder Injuries – Seat belts can tear the tendons and muscle fibers in your shoulder.
• Rib and Chest Injuries – The cross strap of a seat belt can cause bruising on your rib cage or even break your ribs in a severe accident.
• Intestinal Injuries – Should an impact be hard enough, seat belts can even cause your internal organs to rupture.
• Spinal Injuries – Seat belts can cause chance fractures on the spine, most commonly in the lumbar region.
• Lacerations and burns – In a forceful impact, the thin but tough material of seat belts can cause cuts and burns to the skin.