Restraint Systems
Restraint systems such as seat belts and airbags were invented to protect people in the event of an accident. When they work properly, they prevent injuries and save lives. When they malfunction or are improperly designed, they can cause serious injuries and even death.
Seat Belts
Automakers have known for decades that 3-point restraints (lap and shoulder belts) are safer than 2-point restraints (lap belt only) - which can sometimes cause more severe injuries than if no seat belt was worn at all. However, 3-point restraints in the rear-center seat were not mandated in the U.S. until September 2007, and then only in new cars sold from that date forward. Since it is the most insulated from all crash angles, the rear-center seat is often considered the safest place to sit, yet if the seat is not equipped with the proper restraints, it may instead be the deadliest.
Air Bags
When airbags work properly, they can prevent injuries and save lives. However, an improperly designed airbag can seriously injure or kill. Faulty airbags can fail in a number of ways:
- Airbag hits occupant before being fully inflated
- Airbag punches out of its storage compartment and strikes occupant forcefully
- Airbag deploys unnecessarily in a minor accident, causing injury where one would not have otherwise occurred
- Explosive charge involved in airbag inflation causes injury
- Airbag fails to deploy
- Automobile does not contain adequate warnings about airbag dangers and precautions vehicle occupants can take to avoid injury
Many airbag-related injuries could be avoided using technology that has been around for years. Even where airbags are designed and manufactured correctly, automakers failing to correctly calibrate airbag sensors can result in an overly-aggressive deployment or no deployment at all. If you believe you or someone you love was injured due to a defective or improperly-deployed airbag, you may wish to pursue a product liability claim in a personal injury lawsuit.
Attorneys with Experience
The attorneys at Langdon & Emison have a strong track record of fighting for the rights of people injured as a result of defective seat belts and airbags. If you or a family member has been injured in an accident due to a defective restraint, contact the lawyers at Langdon & Emison for a free initial consultation about your case.
