St. Louis Seatbelt Defect Lawyer

What To Do After a Seatbelt Failure Injury

It is easy to take for granted that our vehicles will protect us if we are ever involved in an accident. Unfortunately, there are times when even the safety devices in a car can fail. Airbags fail to deploy, brakes fail to work, and in some cases, seatbelts fail to secure occupants in the vehicle. Victims injured due to a defective seatbelt often run the risk of being ejected from their vehicle during a Missouri car accident and can suffer catastrophic injuries.

The Importance of an Investigation

When someone is partially or completely ejected from a vehicle during a car crash, it is common for the authorities to assume that the victim was not wearing a seatbelt. When there are no witnesses, the assumption that a seatbelt was not worn may never come into question.

The family of someone killed in an auto accident can take steps to protect their rights. The car must be preserved in its damaged state. The family of someone killed in a crash may want to repair, sell, or scrap the vehicle involved, but destroying the evidence can be a huge mistake. If the vehicle is preserved, an experienced investigator can examine the vehicle for signs of a defective seatbelt and other faulty auto parts.

Signs of a Defective Seatbelt

It is not easy to prove that someone was wearing a seatbelt when there are no witnesses. Investigators will look for signs of seatbelt failure. Seatbelts that are frayed, for example, may mean that the seatbelt underwent intense force and was unable to do its job. Did the seatbelt fail to remain latched? Does the seatbelt have a defective latch that makes a clicking sound but never really locks? Does the vehicle model have a history of seatbelt failures? Did the seatbelt system fail to lock up on impact?

Types of Injuries

Victims of defective seatbelt accidents often face catastrophic injuries. Since the victim is not properly restrained during an impact, there is little to stop them from slamming into the inside of the car. Victims may suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) if their head impacts the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. They may also suffer severe lacerations if impact is made with the windshield. Occupants who are ejected because of a defective seatbelt may sustain fatal blunt trauma, multiple bone fractures, spinal cord damage, or internal injuries. Unfortunately, when occupants are ejected from a vehicle due to seatbelt failure, often these injuries prove to be fatal.

Our St. Louis product liability injury attorneys have had tremendous success representing victims who have been severely injured due to seatbelt failure. In such cases, we can help the victim or the victim’s family hold the auto manufacturer liable for the defective seatbelt. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries due to a defective seatbelt or other faulty auto part, please contact our law offices at (314) 322-8515 for a free and comprehensive consultation.