Poorly designed or manufactured vehicles can be dangerous, and can cause serious injury or death. 

 

Accidents can also be caused by a flaw in the design of the vehicle itself, as is the case in many SUV rollover accidents. In the case of a design flaw, people are often seriously injured because a vehicle fails to provide reasonable protection in the event of a collision or rollover.

 

The most important concept in vehicle defect liability cases is "crashworthiness". Crashworthiness is the ability of a vehicle to prevent injuries to the occupants in the event of a collision.

 

Crashworthiness features, which are designed to minimize occupant injuries, prevent ejection from the vehicle, and reduce the risk of fire, include: seat belts; crumple zones; and, airbags (including side impact protection).

 

The concept of crashworthiness can be used to hold a vehicle manufacturer liable for injuries sustained in a car accident because of a defect that was not the cause of the accident, but caused or made worse the injuries suffered in the accident. The key issue is whether the manufacturer designed the vehicle and its components so that it is safe for any reasonably foreseeable use. Because a vehicle's reasonably foreseeable use includes the possibility that it will be involved in a collision, a manufacturer's duty extends to the design of a vehicle that is reasonably safe should a collision occur.

 

Common issues involved with crash-worthiness and auto defects-related accidents include:

·   Seatbelt failure

·   Tire failure

·   Seatback collapse

·   Door latch defects

·   Roof crush

·   Truck under-ride accidents

·   Airbag failure

Victims may be able to recover damages for the ensuing injuries in a crash. Injuries often include spinal injury, brain injury, broken bones, lacerations, burns, paralysis and other catastrophic injury.

 

An experienced auto defect attorney can seek full compensation for the following:

·   Medical expenses, including all future medical needs

·   Lost wages and future earnings

·   Pain and suffering

·   Loss of quality of life due to permanent disability

·   Wrongful death resulting from auto defects

At the Crosley Law Firm, we have the experience to successfully handle these serious cases. Contact us to see if we can help you.