Signs of a Defective Seat Belt

Seat belts play an essential role in the safety of drivers and passengers in any kind of vehicle. When a seat belt does not function properly, the effects can be disastrous. Like any type of product, seat belts may be subject to certain defects. Auto part designers and manufacturers have a particular responsibility to ensure that their products work properly to keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. If you were involved in an accident and you believe your injuries may have been caused or contributed to by a defective seat belt, it’s important to talk to a car accident attorney about your options for physical and financial recovery.

Signs that a seat belt might be defective include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• The seat belt does not latch or latches with difficulty
• The seat belt is damaged or torn before or after an accident
• The seat belt rarely locks around the passenger and/or is often spooled loosely
• The seat belt unlatches unexpectedly
• The seat belt is mounted on the door
• The buckle appears bent, damaged, or rusted
• The webbing or seat belt material appears damaged or torn
• The seat belt disengages during an accident
• The seat belt is found damaged or torn after an accident
• A person suffers injuries while wearing a seat belt in an otherwise minor accident
• A person wearing their seat belt in an accident is injured worse than someone not wearing a seat belt

If you or a loved one were injured by a defective seat belt, you may have a claim against the manufacturer.

It’s important to understand that whenever an injury occurs due to the failure of a product, especially in regard to defective car parts, the injured party may be eligible to file a product liability against the designer or manufacturer to seek compensation for their damages. Damages that may be sought in a seat belt liability claim may include compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Injuries caused or contributed to by defective seat belts may include the following:

• Broken and fractured bones
• Organ damage
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Head trauma
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Paralysis
• Death

Certain evidence may be available in a seat belt liability claim.

Arguably the most important part of any product liability claim is the evidence needed to prove a defect does in fact exist; the seat belt itself is the primary piece of evidence that will need to be analyzed by vehicle safety experts. Whenever you suspect that an auto defect caused or contributed to your injuries after a car accident, it is important to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. These attorneys can consult with product liability attorneys and vehicle safety experts to evaluate the seat belt itself, your injuries, and the resulting damages to seek the necessary recovery for you and your family. Most car accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients will not have to pay for their services unless they win their case.

To learn more about defective seat belts or for help filing a claim, reach out to a car accident attorney sooner rather than later.