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Seatbelts are critical, lifesaving equipment that help protect countless lives every day. We rely on seatbelts to help keep us safe in the event of a crash. However, even though seatbelts are mostly reliable, they can fail or malfunction, just like anything else.
If you are injured in a car accident and your seatbelt fails, who is liable for your injuries? In most cases, the manufacturer of the seatbelt will be held liable for damages. However, there may be some exceptions to this rule.
In this blog post, we will discuss what happens if your seatbelt fails in a collision and who may be liable for your injuries. Read on to learn more.
Who Can Be Held Liable When Your Seatbelt Fails in a Crash
If you are involved in a car accident, and your seatbelt fails to restrain you or is defective in some way, you may be seriously injured. In some cases, the seatbelt may even cause more injuries than if you had not been wearing one at all. If this happens, the manufacturer of the seatbelt may be held liable for your injuries.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. If the seatbelt was not properly installed or maintained, the seatbelt manufacturer may not be held liable. Instead, the party responsible for installing or maintaining the seatbelt might be responsible. An example would be the company from which you were renting a vehicle when accident occurred.
Additionally, if you were wearing the seatbelt improperly (e.g., not fastened correctly or with only the lap belt fastened and not the accompanying shoulder strap), the manufacturer may not be considered liable. In this case, unfortunately, you would likely be held liable for your own injuries.
Each Case is Unique
It is important to note that these exceptions are not always applicable. Each case is unique, so if you are injured in a car accident and your seatbelt fails, it is best to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney from Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation right away to discuss your legal options.
File a Complaint with the NHTSA
If you are injured in a crash as a result of a seatbelt malfunction, filing a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) could result in a vehicle recall. This can help prevent others from suffering injuries or worse due to a widespread safety defect.
To submit a complaint with the NHTSA online, click here.
To submit a complaint over the phone, contact the Vehicle Safety Hotline:
888-327-4236, Monday-Friday 8am-8pm ET
Hearing Impaired (TTY): 800-424-9153
We Are Here to Help Injured Car Accident Victims
If you have been injured in a car accident and your seatbelt failed to restrain you, it is important to speak with our experienced personal injury attorney. He can help you understand your rights and options and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Reach out to Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation today for a free consultation.
Contact our office today by calling (310) 683-2300 or filling out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you. We offer free consultations, so there’s no reason not to reach out to someone from our team right away.