Los Angeles Seat Belt Failure and Defects Attorney

When Safety Equipment Fails, You Have Recourse—and We Are Here to Help.

Over the last few decades, there has been a campaign to get all drivers to wear seat belts so they can be protected if they are involved in car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the use of seat belts in passenger vehicles was responsible for saving 12,546 lives in 2010. Nevertheless, seat belts are not always failproof when it comes to keeping us safe. This is particularly the case when they are not made correctly.

Many seat belts have hidden deficiencies. They can have defective buckles that unlatch during an accident. Manufacturers often use cheap materials, which cause shoulder straps to fail during an impact. When a seat belt fails, the driver or passenger of a vehicle can be sent crashing into a steering wheel, a window or windshield, a console, another seat, or another person. In severe situations, the individual can be thrown out of the vehicle.

Catastrophic injuries that can result include:

• Bone fractures
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Disfigurement
• Organ damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Paralysis

Seat belt failure is one of many types of automobile defects that can occur. In some instances, the problem is recognized through recalls. For example, in March 2012, Subaru recalled more than 275,000 Forester crossovers because the NHTSA discovered that the back seat’s center-position seat belt might not provide enough security for a child-safety seat during an accident. In some cases, car and seat belt manufacturers might fail to notify the public about safety hazards, which can lead to even greater danger to drivers and passengers.

Ask our Los Angeles team for a free consultation if a faulty seat belt caused you or a loved one to be injured. Call us at (866) 884-1717 for help.

Common Types of Seat Belt Defects

Seat belts are crucial safety components in vehicles, designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision or sudden stop. However, like any mechanical device, seat belts can experience defects that compromise their effectiveness.

Here are some common types of seat belt defects:

• Latch Defects: The latch is the mechanism that secures the seat belt in place when buckled. Defects in the latch mechanism can prevent the seat belt from properly engaging or staying locked during a crash. This could result in the seat belt releasing unexpectedly, failing to restrain the occupant.
• Retractor Malfunctions: The retractor is the component responsible for controlling the slack in the seat belt. Malfunctions in the retractor can cause the seat belt to become too loose or too tight, reducing its ability to restrain the occupant properly. In some cases, the retractor may fail to retract the seat belt at all, leaving excess slack that could lead to injury.
• Tension Sensor Failure: Modern vehicles may be equipped with seat belt tension sensors that detect sudden deceleration or impact and trigger the seat belt's locking mechanism. Failure of these sensors can prevent the seat belt from tightening appropriately during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
• Webbing Defects: The webbing is the fabric material of the seat belt that restrains the occupant. Defects in the webbing, such as fraying, tearing, or weakening, can significantly reduce the seat belt's strength and effectiveness in holding the occupant securely during a collision.
• Pretensioner Malfunction: Some vehicles are equipped with seat belt pretensioners, which automatically tighten the seat belt in the event of a crash to reduce slack and minimize occupant movement. Malfunctions in the pretensioner mechanism can result in inadequate tightening of the seat belt, compromising occupant safety.
• Deployment Issues: In vehicles equipped with airbags, seat belts are often designed to work in conjunction with the airbag system to provide comprehensive occupant protection. Defects in the deployment system, such as delayed or unintended deployment, can affect the seat belt's ability to function properly during a crash.
• Anchorage Failure: The anchorage points where the seat belt is attached to the vehicle's frame can experience defects or structural weaknesses. If the anchorage points fail during a crash, the seat belt may detach from the vehicle, rendering it ineffective in restraining the occupant.

Representation for Seat Belt Failure

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and resources needed to successfully help our Los Angeles clients seek compensation for their injuries. We work with experienced automotive techs who can investigate the cause of a failure and provide valuable testimony in support of a client’s case. We also work one-on-one with clients’ physicians to determine the future care they will need as well as any lasting injuries or disabilities they should be compensated for.

When we fight for you, we ask for a fair settlement that includes:

• Medical expenses
• Hospitalization costs
• Lost income
• Pain & suffering

The team at Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation has won over $550 million on behalf of clients and has acquired a reputation for providing skilled advocacy and vigilant defense. We do everything we can to maximize your recovery after a bad accident.

Contact our firm online or call us at (866) 884-1717 to schedule a free consultation for your defective seat belt case.