Can a vehicle manufacturer be sued over defective seat belts?
Miami, FL—Seat belts are designed to protect vehicle occupants in the event of an accident by reducing their chances of suffering serious or fatal injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% for drivers and front seat passengers and drop the risk of serious injury by 50%. In 2017, seat belts in passenger vehicles saved approximately 14,955 lives, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Because individuals have begun to understand the importance of wearing seat belts, the NHSTA says the national use rate was at 90.7% in 2019.
While many drivers and passengers are doing their part to stay safe when traveling in their vehicles, not all manufacturers are providing consumers with properly functioning safety belts. In fact, Consumer Reports reported in 2020 that a recall was issued for more than 624,000 Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and pickups with front bench seats (2019-2021 models). According to the source, the recall was issued after it was determined that the front seat belts in these vehicles may not be attached to the seat properly.
Holding a Product Manufacturer Liable for Injuries Suffered as a Result of a Defective Seat Belt
When a manufacturing company creates a defective product and that product causes a consumer harm, the company can be held financially liable, even if it issued a recall. Companies are not only required to test their products to ensure they aren’t going to be harmful to the public, but if they do pose a risk, consumers must be properly warned so that they can make an informed decision on whether they want to purchase it or not.
Most consumers who purchase a vehicle look for one that has high safety ratings and is more likely to provide them with ample protection in the event of an accident, not one that has seat belts that won’t function properly in the event of an emergency. Therefore, if an individual was involved in an accident and suffered serious injuries because of a vehicle defect (e.g. defective seat belts), they may have a case against the vehicle’s manufacturer or even a third-party that supplied the faulty part.
How to bring a claim against a vehicle manufacturer?
If a driver thinks a defective part played a role in causing them to suffer severe injuries, they should speak with a Miami, FL personal injury attorney to find out if they have the grounds to sue the part manufacturer. If it is determined that a defective vehicle part contributed to a driver and/or passengers suffering extensive injuries in a car crash, the Miami personal injury attorneys at Mario Trespalacios P.A. may be able to help them recover compensation for the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
If an accident victim is looking to receive a case evaluation and determine if they are entitled to compensation to make up for their injuries and losses, they can contact Mario Trespalacios P.A. to speak with a personal injury lawyer.
Mario Trespalacios P.A. can be contacted at:
9495 SW 72 Street, Suite B-275
Miami, FL 33173
Phone: 305-261-5800
Website: www.mtpalegal.com
