Another Automobile Safety Recall Raises Liability Concerns
The safety of automobiles is once again in the news as another major manufacturer recalls tens of thousands of vehicles. According to reports, Acura is recalling 43,000 cars, citing seat belt issues. This comes as General Motors continues to deal with the backlash of its major recall earlier this year. Drivers and passengers constantly depend on their vehicle’s seat belts to keep them safe during an accident. Malfunctions can result in death and serious injuries. If the actions of the manufacturer are to blame for these problems, they are in breach of their duty to their customers, which can lead to liability when incidents occur.
Recent Safety Belt Recalls
According to CBS News, Acura is recalling more than 40,000 vehicles due to concerns over defective front safety belts. The belts reportedly may not release in cold temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit, which can greatly increase the chance of serious injury during an accident. Honda, which is Acura’s parent company, reportedly timed the recall to take place prior to the winter months. According to the report, the recall involves more than 10,000 of the car makers 2014 models and 36,000 of the 2015 models. No accidents have been reported thus far, as determined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Acura is only one of many car manufacturers with ongoing seat belt recalls. GM recalled more than 40,000 of its cars earlier in the year. Mercedes Benz also reportedly recalled one of its S-Class vehicles. According to the company the safety belt anchor tended to loosen, leaving the safety of the driver in limbo during accidents.
Common Injuries Due to Defective Safety Belts
Safety belt failures can result in numerous injuries:
- Head and neck injuries can result from the excessive jerking that occurs when the seat belt does not adequately hold the passenger in place.
- Concussions are also common, stemming from impacts to the brain. This can occur from a physical hit or from the head jerking quickly.
- Suffocation can occur when the safety belt lodges around the neck during impact. If it does not properly give, the belt can tighten around the neck, causing the victim’s airway to become restricted.
- Extensive bodily bruising occurs when the seat belt does not properly give during a serious impact. If the belt tightens improperly, it can cause serious bruising to the chest and waist areas of the body.
The victims of these malfunctions can suffer indescribable pain and financial hardship. When this occurs, responsible parties should be held accountable for their negligent actions and breach of duty. By filing a civil product liability lawsuit, an experienced lawyer can work to secure adequate compensation. This may occur through a number of legal theories:
- Defective design;
- Faulty manufacturing; or
- Breach of implied warranty.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a seat belt malfunction, contact the legal team of Pita Weber Del Prado for knowledgeable and skillful representation. Call the office today at 305-670-2889 for a free consultation.
