It often goes unspoken, but arguably the most important crashworthiness feature of a vehicle is its ability to keep passengers in the auto during an accident. The chances of serious injury or death to an accident victim dramatically increase when the person is ejected from a vehicle. Safety features such as seatbelts and airbags are designed to restrain passengers as safely as possible upon impact--within the vehicle. Unfortunately, seatbelts, airbags, and even safety glass are often ineffective when a door latch fails and victims are exposed to the road.
Victims of occupant ejection suffer multiple impacts in addition to the initial impact of the accident. When a person is thrown from an automobile during a crash, he or she faces immediate, violent contact with the road or even nearby vehicles. People who are involved in occupant ejection crashes commonly do not survive or suffer traumatic injuries in the form of spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, road rash, and paralysis.
Door latch failure is an especial danger during a rollover accident, where the door of a vehicle is often subjected to direct pressure. In recent years, poorly installed door latches and latches made from inferior or weak metal have been named as the cause of a number of deadly occupant ejections. Many auto safety experts attest that the standards for door latch mechanisms are very low, and that simple design modifications or upgrades could greatly enhance door latch security. In fact, GM, Chrysler, Ford, and Mitsubishi have all admitted to knowledge of sub-standard door latches in their cars.
If you were involved in an auto accident where you were thrown from the vehicle, a defective door latch may have been to blame. By working with an experienced auto product liability lawyer, you may be able to hold negligent auto manufacturers and other parties accountable for your damages.
For additional information on your legal rights, it is important to speak with skilled
medical malpractice and negligence attorneys,
car accident and auto accident lawyers, and
personal injury attorneys in Kansas City, Missouri.
