
Common Seat Belt Defects
Seat belts are meant to protect the occupants of motor vehicles by preventing them from being ejected through the windshield or the side windows of the vehicle, as well as preventing collisions between the motorist and the interior of the vehicle, such as the dashboard, front seats, etc. Unfortunately, seat belts do not always work as they should, either due to defective design, faulty manufacturing, or improper installation.
Some of the most common seat belt defects include:
- Seat belts unlatching in a collision (known as “inertial” unlatching)
- False latching when a seat belt appears latched but comes undone in a collision, even with minimal force
- Failure to retract or “lock” in place
- Seat belts tearing or ripping due to the force of a survivable accident
- Outside vehicle defects that lead to ripped/torn seat belt webbing (e.g., sharp, protruding edges)
Proving that a seat belt failed and that this led to a victim’s severe injuries and/or death can be incredibly difficult. In many cases, law enforcement officials and emergency personnel will arrive on the scene and assume an individual was not wearing a seat belt when the collision occurred. However, the Houston seat belt failure attorneys at The Ammons Law Firm are trained in spotting signs of common and uncommon seat belt defects, and we often work with various experts to reveal how a seat belt failed and what this means for the victim/the victim’s surviving family members.
Common Injuries Caused by Seat Belt Defects
Sadly, victims of automobile accidents involving seat belt failures often sustain severe, life-altering injuries. In many tragic instances, these victims will pass away as a result of their injuries.
Some of the most common injuries associated with seat belt failures include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries resulting from blunt force impact
- Cuts, scrapes, and severe lacerations as a result of being ejected through broken glass
- Broken bones
- Accidental amputation
Contact the Defective Seat Belt Attorneys at The Ammons Law Firm Today
At The Ammons Law Firm, we understand the immense, life-long impact these injuries have—both on victims and their loved ones who must now alter their lives to provide the care and support their family member needs. The goal of our auto defect attorneys is to help clients nationwide fight for the full, fair compensation they need and are owed.
Contact an experienced seat belt defect attorney at The Ammons Law Firm for a free consultation online or by phone at (281) 801-5617.