Did a Defective Car Part Cause Your Accident?

This video features Stewart J. Eisenberg, a Medical Malpractice attorney based in Pennsylvania.

Attorney Stewart Eisenberg | 888-644-4288 | Free Consult

A defective car part can cause an accident, or make an accident much worse.

If you suspect that a defective car part played a role in your car accident, talk to a lawyer right away so they can investigate your accident and determine what happened.

This interview features attorney Stewart Eisenberg, who has handled many defective product and defective auto part claims. He says that a certain type of seatbelt doesn’t close properly, which can lead to severe injuries in car accidents. He helped one man recover a $60 million verdict after the seatbelt in his Honda Acura did not work as intended. During the trial, he showed that Honda knew that the seatbelt was a safety risk, but failed to correct it.

Stewart Eisenberg is a Philadelphia attorney with Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C.

To learn more about your options for what to do after a car accident potentially caused by a defective auto part, contact him now by calling 888-644-4288 or by submitting a contact form on this page. The consultation is free, and you owe no legal fees if your case is unsuccessful.

Are certain kinds of seatbelts unsafe?

Since they were implemented in cars back in the 1960s, seatbelts have had a variety of problems. The lapbelt only seatbelts like the kind seen in airplanes can actually cause some injuries in accidents, so designers have progressed to the chest strap model. However, even today, certain seatbelt designs carry safety risks due to their designs.

What is the problem with the Gen 3 seatbelt?

The problem with these type of seatbelt has to do with the button that releases the seatbelt. In a safer model, the button is flat or recessed into the buckle. However, with these “Gen 3” seatbelts, the button is raised, creating an increased risk of inadvertently releasing the buckle and the belt.

Have these allegedly defective seatbelts been recalled?

This defect was not recalled. The unsafe seatbelt is not being made anymore, but they can still be found in many vehicles on the road. Production stopped four or five years ago, and they are common in many Chrysler vehicles.

How can you tell if your car has defective seatbelts?

If your seatbelt has a raised button for unlatching, look into replacing these seatbelts with a safer version.

What happened in the case you handled involving Honda?

The attorney’s client was driving a Honda Acura, and the vehicle rolled over during the crash. The driver hit his head on the roof of the car, and he became paralyzed. The seatbelt should have stopped him from falling to the ground while the vehicle was upside down.

Eisenberg’s investigation revealed that Honda tested the seatbelt back in the 90s. In the test vehicle, the test dummy hit its head on the roof. They knew the danger was there, but they went ahead with the design anyway. They figured it was unlikely, so they decided to take their chances. This resulted in a man becoming paralyzed.

Did this lawsuit result in safer seatbelts?

It resulted in a $60 million verdict for the client, so he is covered for the rest of his life, but he will always need around the clock medical care and attention. He and his wife’s lives have changed forever.

It did not result in a change to the seatbelt. The suit can encourage manufacturers to make changes, but unless the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues a recall, manufacturers are not required to make any changes.

What should you do if you’re in an accident that may have involved an auto defect?

You need to see a lawyer. In fact, anytime there is an accident that involves paralysis, severe injury, or death, it doesn’t hurt to talk to a lawyer to learn about their options. At the very least, they can obtain peace of mind knowing that they have explored their rights.

Eisenberg says that after he gets the call, his firm obtains the vehicle and performs a thorough inspection and analysis to make sure the safety features worked properly. His firm has decades of experience handling defective auto part claims, so they know what to look for in these types of cases.

It’s important that you contact an attorney who has experience handling situations like yours.

What do you tell someone who might feel intimidated taking on a big car company?

The best way to give yourself good odds against them is to find an attorney with trial experience against them. The auto manufacturers are prepared, and they have a team of defense lawyers ready to dismiss your claim. If you have an experienced attorney on your side who has gone against them before, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of success. Stewart Eisenberg has tried cases against major manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, and Honda.

To schedule a free consultation with Stewart Eisenberg, call 888-644-4288 or submit a contact form on this page. The consultation is free, and you don’t owe any legal fees if your case is unsuccessful.

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