Crashworthiness Failures Lawsuit Claims Lawyer
One of the measures of vehicle safety is crashworthiness, or how well a vehicle protects occupants in the event of a collision. Vehicles and their components are tested for crashworthiness, but often, they pass these tests with inferior components. Unfortunately, these defective or unsafe components become obvious when vehicles are involved in real collisions, putting occupants at risk of severe injuries or death. At Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law, we can help victims of crashworthiness failures seek compensation from manufacturers for injuries caused by defective safety features.
In automotive safety, numerous components play pivotal roles in safeguarding occupants during collisions or crashes. Among these components, defective airbags, seatbacks, seatbelts, roof strength, headrests and door latches stand out as critical elements that can directly influence the outcome of a vehicular accident. When any of these components fail to function as intended, the risk of sustaining serious injuries escalates significantly. The overarching objective is to mitigate the forces that can crush occupants or lead to ejection from the vehicle, thereby reducing the severity of injuries sustained during an accident. For instance, in the event of a rollover collision, the integrity of the vehicle’s roof structure is paramount to preventing catastrophic roof collapse and preserving the survival space for occupants. Similarly, properly functioning seatbelts are instrumental in restraining occupants and mitigating the extent of their injuries upon impact. However, when seatbelts fail to restrain occupants or roof structures collapse under the forces of a rollover, the consequences can be dire, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
When vehicle components fail to perform as intended, the manufacturer may bear legal liability for injuries sustained by occupants due to the malfunction. Manufacturers are held to rigorous standards of safety and quality assurance, and any deviations from these standards that result in harm to consumers may warrant legal action. Victims of defective vehicle components have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred as a result of the accident. By holding manufacturers accountable for lapses in safety and design, injured parties not only seek redress for their losses but also contribute to the promotion of enhanced safety standards within the automotive industry. The experienced legal professionals at Ligori & Ligori are well-versed in product liability law and can empower victims to assert their rights and pursue justice against negligent manufacturers, ultimately fostering a culture of accountability and safety across the automotive landscape.
Crash Injuries Caused by Unsafe Components
Vehicle manufacturers have a responsibility to design and build vehicles that perform safely. This includes protecting occupants in a crash. When a crashworthiness failure occurs, it can cause secondary collision injuries. These are injuries that are caused by unsafe components on the vehicle and are preventable when the components are designed and built to work as intended. Some crash injuries that can occur due to unsafe components include:
- Burn injuries from gas tank explosions
- Lacerations from metal components of air bags
- Head, neck and spine trauma from roof collapse
- Impact injuries from ejection from the vehicle (door latch and seatbelt malfunction)
- Spine and neck injuries from seatback failure
- Death from impact, laceration, head trauma or fire
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Crashworthiness Failures Lawsuit Claims
What is crashworthiness, and how does it relate to vehicle safety?
Crashworthiness refers to a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants during a crash or collision. It encompasses various safety features and design elements intended to minimize the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.
What are crashworthiness failures, and how do they differ from other vehicle defects?
Crashworthiness failures involve defects or shortcomings in a vehicle’s design or safety features that increase the risk of injury to occupants during a crash. Unlike other types of vehicle defects, which may affect performance or reliability, crashworthiness failures specifically relate to the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a collision.
What are common examples of crashworthiness failures in vehicles?
Examples of crashworthiness failures include defects in airbag deployment systems, inadequate roof strength leading to roof crush injuries, failure of seat belts or seatbacks to restrain occupants properly and deficiencies in side-impact protection systems.
Who can file a lawsuit for crashworthiness failures?
Individuals who have been injured or lost loved ones due to crashworthiness failures may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer, designer or other parties responsible for the defect. This includes drivers, passengers and pedestrians affected by the crash.
What types of compensation can be sought in a crashworthiness failures lawsuit?
Victims of crashworthiness failures may seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, loss of consortium and wrongful death in the case of fatal accidents.
How can crashworthiness failures be proven in a lawsuit?
Proving crashworthiness failures typically requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident, analysis of the vehicle’s design and safety features, examination of crash test data, expert testimony, and documentation of injuries sustained by occupants.
Is there a time limit for filing a lawsuit for crashworthiness failures?
There is a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for crashworthiness failures, which varies by state. It is crucial to consult with an attorney in Florida promptly to ensure that your claim is filed within the applicable time frame.
What role does negligence play in crashworthiness failures lawsuits?
In crashworthiness failures lawsuits, negligence on the part of the vehicle manufacturer, designer or other parties involved in the production or distribution of the vehicle may be a central issue. Negligence may involve inadequate testing, failure to warn consumers of known risks, or disregarding safety standards.
Can I file a crashworthiness failures lawsuit if my vehicle was subject to a recall?
Being subject to a recall does not absolve the manufacturer or other responsible parties from liability for crashworthiness failures. Recalls are typically initiated after defects are identified, but they do not necessarily prevent individuals from pursuing legal action for injuries or damages resulting from those defects.
When selecting an attorney for a crashworthiness failures lawsuit, it is essential to choose a law firm with experience in product liability and personal injury cases, particularly those involving automotive defects. The attorneys at Ligori & Ligori have a track record of success in handling similar claims and are committed to advocating for your rights and pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf. If you were involved in an injury crash and a component failure contributed to your injuries, contact us at Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law today. We can help you determine whether you can seek compensation for poor crashworthiness or defective auto components. Call our office to schedule a free consultation. We have offices located in Tampa, Ocala, Orlando, Lakeland and Key West, Florida.