Los Angeles Seat Belt Failure Lawsuits

We Represent Accident Victims

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 329,715 lives were saved because of seat belt use between 1960 and 2012, making seat belts one of the most important safety improvements ever designed for cars and other vehicles. Although seat belt use is finally up to a record 90% across the country, however, it’s still possible for people to become seriously injured when a seat belt fails to perform as promised.

Whether it’s caused by defective design or faulty manufacturing processes, seat belt failure can easily lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities during collisions and rollover accidents. At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, we represent clients throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and beyond who have been seriously injured due to defective seat belt systems. You can rely on our knowledge and skill to analyze your case. If a seat belt defect caused your injury, we have the resources and experience to obtain results through negotiation or, if necessary, courtroom litigation.

For more information about our legal services, call (866) 634-4525 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation. We can travel from our El Segundo offices to a location convenient for you. 

Types of Seat Belt Defects

When a seat belt fails to work as intended, car accident victims face significantly higher risks of fatal injury. No matter if the belt unlatches during an accident or tears and rips due to collision force, design defects in the seat belt mechanism can be deadly. This is especially true during rollover accidents, when an object or body part may come into contact with the seat belt latching mechanism – and sustain serious injuries in the process.

One of the most common seat belt defects is retractor failure, which occurs when the retracting device does not lock the seat belt quickly enough to prevent injury. Additionally, sometimes seat belts pull free of their mountings or the belt itself wears out from years of use, which can be an indication of either manufacturing or design defects. Due to this complexity, it’s important to review your seat belt failure case with an experienced Los Angeles attorney.

Here are a few of the most common types of seat belt defects:

How Can I Identify the Signs of Seat Belt Failure?

Because seat belts are designed to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a crash, belt failure is most dangerous during rollover accidents and other serious collisions. When the seat belt fails in its purpose, the force of a high-speed impact may throw occupants against the walls of the vehicle or eject them from the vehicle altogether. Occupants may also make contact with each other or other loose flying objects in the car.

Although it’s crucial to discuss your case with legal counsel before taking any action, you may have a seat belt failure claim in the following circumstances:

• Passengers claim they were belted but became unbelted during a collision
• Multiple passengers were hurt when seat belts failed to work
• There is evidence of damage or tearing to the seat belt
• Belted passengers are ejected or thrown against the windshield
• There is a history of seat belt failure in less severe circumstances

Working with investigators and auto defect experts, our lawyers at Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP can determine whether a seat belt defect caused or contributed to your injuries. If that is the case, we will work tirelessly on your behalf.

Please contact our law firm to discuss your case. We represent clients in Los Angeles, throughout Southern California and California in seat belt defect claims.