In the last few years the public has been inundated with public service campaigns telling us that if we buckle up, we’ll be more safe in the event of an auto accident. Many states have even passed laws requiring drivers and passengers to have seatbelts fastened or face stiff fines. Yet every year many injuries occur during accidents due to improperly installed or defective seatbelts. Many of these injuries could have been prevented if the automobile manufacturer had installed the seatbelts properly.
A seatbelt improperly attached to the car can cause serious if not fatal injuries in the event of an accident. Similarly, improperly installed seatbelt latches can fail in an accident. If a seatbelt’s latch is not functioning correctly, it may not be properly engaged. In the event of a car crash, a broken latch will give way and the seatbelt will be rendered useless in preventing injury.
If your seatbelt has excessive slack in the shoulder area chances are your seatbelt will fail to engage and hold you firmly in your seat should you be involved in an automobile crash. Door mounted automatic seatbelts if improperly installed or defective in some way could force the shoulder strap of the seatbelt around a person’s neck causing spinal cord injuries or other serious injuries.
In many cases the car manufacturers have been aware of these defects yet have done little if anything to correct them because it’s more expensive to install high-quality seatbelts in their vehicles. As a result, thousands of people have suffered serious injury and in some cases death because of car manufacturers' negligence.
Keep in mind that not every seatbelt is defective or improperly installed. You should periodically check your seatbelts to make sure they are latching properly and tightening at the shoulder, not hanging limp and loose. You want the seatbelt to have a comfortable fit, but not so snug that if you were involved in an accident you could be seriously injured. Also make sure that the seatbelt is adjusted so that the shoulder strap will not wrap around your head or neck.
If you or someone you know have been injured by a defective seatbelt, you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney to see if you have the right to pursue compensation in court, including medical bills, lost wages, and other types of compensation.
Personal injury law is designed to protect individuals from injuries caused by negligence. In cases involving
auto accidents,
product liability, or other causes of
personal injury, attorneys have the knowledge to protect your rights.
