TL;DR
- Modern car safety features can malfunction and cause serious injuries when they're defective or fail to work as designed.
- Airbags that deploy improperly, seat belts that don't lock, and automated braking systems that fail can lead to catastrophic injuries.
- You may have a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer if a defective safety feature caused your injuries.
- Auto defect injuries often require analysis to prove the feature malfunctioned rather than functioned normally.
- Our firm handles product liability cases across Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming for victims injured by faulty safety systems.
We expect the safety features in our vehicles to protect us during crashes. Airbags, seat belts, anti-lock brakes, and advanced driver assistance systems are intended to reduce injury severity and save lives. But what happens when these systems fail or malfunction at the worst possible moment?
Defective safety features can transform a survivable crash into a catastrophic one. We've represented clients across Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming who suffered severe auto defect injuries not because of the crash itself, but because a safety system that should have protected them either failed completely or malfunctioned dangerously. These injuries can be life-altering, and manufacturers responsible for faulty products should be held accountable.
When Airbags Become Dangerous
Airbags should deploy within milliseconds of impact, cushioning your head and torso from striking the steering wheel or dashboard. When they function correctly, they can be incredibly effective. However, when they malfunction, the consequences can be grave.
Airbag issues occur when the system fails to operate as intended. Some airbags deploy too late, after contact has already occurred. Others deploy with excessive force, resulting in facial fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or even detached retinas. There are also instances where airbags have deployed inadvertently at high speeds, causing loss of control.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued numerous recalls for defective airbag inflators that can explode and send metal shrapnel into vehicle occupants. These defects have resulted in fatalities and injuries nationwide, including in our service areas.
If your airbag didn't deploy during a collision where it should have, or if it caused serious injuries beyond expected outcomes, you may have a product liability car accident claim.
Seat Belt Failures That Lead to Harm
Seat belts are designed to lock during sudden deceleration, holding your body securely while allowing enough give to mitigate injury risks. However, faulty seat belt systems can fail in ways that result in injuries.
Some belts don’t lock during a crash, leading to occupants being thrown forward. Others have retractors that don’t keep the belt snug, and there are instances of pretensioners failing to activate, buckles releasing during crashes, or anchors detaching from vehicle frames.
Typical injuries from properly functioning seat belts often show a diagonal pattern across the chest and lap. If ejection occurred, or if injuries are consistent with being unrestrained despite using the seat belt, it could indicate safety defects.
Malfunctioning Advanced Safety Technology
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced electronic safety systems like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. When functioning properly, these systems can prevent accidents. When they malfunction, they may cause them.
We encounter cases of AEB systems activating without warning, causing rear-end collisions; Lane Keeping Assist steering vehicles unexpectedly; and Adaptive Cruise Control failing to adjust speed for stopped traffic.
If such systems cause or worsen accidents, resulting injuries may support claims against manufacturers.
Roof Crush and Structural Failures
Vehicle roofs are expected to withstand rollovers to protect occupants from crushing. Federal standards require roofs to support a significant amount of weight, yet some manufacturers use inadequate materials, resulting in failures during rollovers.
Roof collapses can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. If a roof caved significantly during a rollover, this may suggest that there is liability for insufficient structural design.
The "Protection Paradox"
There is a stark contrast between the intended safety functions and the catastrophic outcomes of defects:
- Airbags: Intended to cushion impacts; defects may cause shrapnel explosions or late deployments causing harm.
- Seat Belts: Designed to lock securely; defects may lead to failure to lock or ejection.
- Advanced Tech: Designed for automatic braking and lane keeping; defects may cause unintended braking or misdirection.
Proving Your Case Against a Manufacturer
Product liability cases for auto defect injuries necessitate different approaches than standard car accident claims. These cases target the corporations responsible for the defective products, not another driver's negligence.
Expert witnesses—such as automotive engineers and accident reconstructionists—play a crucial role in these cases, helping to demonstrate that a defect existed and directly caused injuries.
Manufacturers' legal teams often argue that safety features functioned as intended or misuse occurred, making experienced legal representation vital.
FAQ: Auto Defect Injuries and Product Liability
How do I know if my injuries were caused by a defective safety feature or just the crash itself?
Determining this usually requires expert analysis. Indicators of defect include non-activation of safety features, inconsistent activation, or injuries not fitting a functioning system. Our team collaborates with experts to assess potential defects.
Can I still file a claim if the other driver was at fault for the accident?
Yes, you may have separate claims: one against the at-fault driver and another against the manufacturer for the safety feature's failure to protect.
How long do I have to file a product liability claim for auto defect injuries?
Statutes of limitations for product liability vary by state. Typically, you have two to three years from the injury date in states like Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming. Consult promptly with an attorney to protect your rights.
What compensation can I recover in a product liability case?
Compensation might include medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages in cases of gross malpractice by manufacturers.
Do I need the actual vehicle to prove my case?
Preserving the vehicle as evidence is critical. It should be inspected by experts before any repairs. Avoid repairs or disposal before consulting with an attorney, as evidence from the vehicle is crucial.
Your Rights Against Negligent Manufacturers
Manufacturers who fail to deliver on safety promises should be held accountable when defects result in injuries. We've been dedicated to assisting injury victims for years, building strong cases against automotive companies.
If you suspect that a faulty safety feature contributed to your injuries, immediate action is crucial to preserve evidence and build a strong claim.
Contact Metier Law Firm at 866-377-3800 or schedule your free consultation at www.metierlaw.com.
Disclaimer: Past results discussed should not be viewed as predictive of your results, which are unique to each case. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney from Metier Law Firm for advice specific to your situation.
