Crashworthiness

Schedule a free Consultation

Feltoon Law, PLLC  |  2520 S I-35 Frontage Rd #200 Austin, TX 78704  | (737) 281-9100

Crashworthiness

Crashworthiness refers to the degree to which a vehicle will protect its occupants from the products of an accident. This type of case holds auto and bus manufacturers responsible for safety defects that cause catastrophic injuries or death. Therefore, a vehicle that is not crashworthy can be considered defective and tried in a court of law accordingly. The following components of a motor vehicle are considered some of the leading rationales for filing a crashworthiness claim:

The function of the airbag is to kick in if you are in a high-speed wreck or hit while stationary by a fast-moving vehicle. If the airbag does not deploy or deploys when it is not supposed to, you may have grounds to file a crashworthiness claim.

Some of the most common defective car repairs include negligent airbag repairs, the body shop failing to follow Official Equipment Manufacturer instructions, and faulty aftermarket parts.
Seat belts and airbags work in tandem to prevent occupants from hitting the interior of the cabin or from being ejected from the vehicle. Seatbelts that unbuckle or fail to lock could result in catastrophic injury or death if a collision were to occur.
If it is found that a tire manufacturer cut corners and distributed tires without proper treading, Feltoon Law, PLLC may be able to help you recover damages for wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.

The strength of the roof is vital for passenger safety during a collision or rollover. If the roof is weak or fails to hold its shape, the cabin could collapse, resulting in serious injuries or death for its occupants.

In the event of a collision, if the seatback is weak or fails to maintain its integrity, the occupant could be propelled forward and be subject to serious injury. Even minor collisions could lead to significant trauma due to the forces that would be exerted.
While not common, a defect in a car window or windshield could lead to the window failing to protect the occupant during an accident. The impact of glass shards and shards could cause serious injury or even death.
Headrests are designed to keep the head of an occupant in a neutral and safe position during a collision. If the headrest is faulty and the occupant’s head moves due to the impact, whiplash or other neck and spinal injuries may occur.
Malfunctioning electronic components could cause a number of dangerous results. Acceleration when not intended, loss of brakes, power failure, or unintended turning can cause loss of control and subsequent accidents that can be catastrophic.

Schedule a Free Consultation