Vehicle safety is important for both drivers and passengers. Crashworthiness is one of the metrics by which vehicle safety is tested. The term refers to the level to which the design and manufacture of a vehicle protects its occupants. In a worst-case scenario where you are involved in a collision, you want to know that your vehicle provides as much protection as possible.
The design of a vehicle and the various components used in the manufacturing process are rigorously tested to ensure safety. As the name suggests, crashworthiness dictates if the vehicle is worthy enough to protect occupants in a crash. However, there are limits to what can be expected from the design and production of roadworthy vehicles. Crashworthiness does not mean you or your occupants are guaranteed to escape injury in the event of a collision.
Defective Design
Although the design of every vehicle should pass relevant crashworthiness tests, vehicles that are not crashworthy can slip through the net. If a design element is responsible for your injuries in a crash, you may have a case for pursuing compensation from the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Defective design elements are present when the vehicle is approved for production. Typically, these defects will affect a range of vehicles or all vehicles of a particular model. Vehicles that are defective due to design are often recalled when drivers or occupants are injured in a collision. These vehicles should have failed crashworthiness tests.
Defective Production/Manufacturing
If defective components are used in the production of a vehicle or mistakes are made in the manufacturing process, drivers and occupants may unnecessarily suffer injuries in a crash. Defective components can also contribute to an accident if they cause a failure in crucial systems, such as breaks or steering.
Vehicle components are subject to crashworthiness testing. Although it is impossible to test every vehicle individually, any issues should be picked up during batch tests. Manufacturers also have a duty to check parameters in production equipment. If production equipment is incorrectly calibrated, it can result in component parts being produced to the wrong size or dimensions.
Legal Support When Crashworthiness is in Doubt
The average person has no way of determining if a vehicle should have passed crashworthiness tests without input from investigators or the manufacturer. The best way to determine if lack of crashworthiness was a factor in a collision is hiring a personal injury lawyer with experience in motor vehicle accidents.
Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law can provide representation in Florida. We have the knowledge, experience and resources you need to build a strong case for compensation. Exposing issues with crashworthiness can save lives. Our legal team is committed to representing clients in cases that benefit the wider community.
If you have suffered serious injury in a motor vehicle collision, reach out to the offices of Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law today. We will help you assess your case and determine the best way forward. Call today for a free crashworthiness case consultation.
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