FAQ: Can I Sue For A Defective Seat Belt Injury?

Car accidents are very common. It is an everyday occurrence and it is a popular type of personal injury claim. But most injuries and deaths from vehicular accidents can be avoided with the use of seatbelts. Just like all the other states, California has seatbelt laws that make it mandatory to wear seatbelts for all drivers and passengers of motor vehicles. It is proven that seat belts can save lives and prevent injuries, but what if the seat belt is defective?

There are many situations when a seat belt can be defective and fail to protect the user. Sometimes the latch is the problem and it will appear locked when it is not. The latch of the seat belt must be very secure so it can take on the pressure during a collision. There will be instances when the seatbelt is made of feeble material and it tears under the shock of impact. Another scenario of a defective seatbelt is when the seatbelt tractor does not function properly and fails to properly restrain the user during a collision. When a seat belt fails, the victim may suffer from injuries when he hits the dashboard or even the car's window or windshield. It may cause brain injury, spinal cord damage, paralysis, and broken bones. Strangulation and lacerated liver are also possible when the belt is not fastened properly.

Seat belt defects and design flaws are the reason of 20% of the injuries and deaths from vehicular accidents. When you are involved in a car collision and you suffered from injuries that could have been prevented if only the seat belts were working properly, then you are entitled to compensation due to your personal injury. No amount of money can ever match the physical and emotional pain that the victim suffers through, the personal injury compensation can help you pay for the medical bills and lost wages you incurred while incapacitated.

However, the burden of proof lies on you to prove that the seat belt was defective and the injuries were due to the defective seat belts. You need a personal injury lawyer specializing in car accidents to help you build your personal injury claim. Your attorney may start a legal action against the vehicle manufacturer or seat belt manufacturer and distributor.

A car accident lawyer will be easy to find in Arroyo Grande and Paso Robles. Santa Barbara is also a good place to get a car accident attorney.