No one ever expects to be in a car accident. But unfortunately, they happen every day. And sometimes, those accidents can be serious – even deadly. One of the most important pieces of safety equipment in a car is the seat belt. And while seat belts usually do their job and help keep drivers and passengers safe, there have been cases where they’ve failed.
But what happens when a seat belt fails?
Texas is a big state, and with that comes a lot of car accidents and injuries. Unfortunately, not all of those injuries are caused by careless driving – sometimes, it’s simply a matter of faulty equipment. Unfortunately, seat belt failures do occur from time to time. And when they do, the results can be devastating.
If you’ve been involved in an accident where a seat belt has failed, it’s important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t let a seat belt failure derail your life. Contact Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog today to learn more.
Why do seat belts fail?
There are many reasons why seat belts fail in accidents. The most common reason is that the seat belt was not properly fastened or adjusted before the accident occurred. Other reasons include:
- Retractor failure: Retractors are the part of the seat belt that lock up when there is sudden braking. It helps keep passengers from jerking forward during emergency stops or collisions.
- Latch failure: The latch is the most important part of the seat belt. Latches need to be securely locked and not release where there is sudden pressure on the belt.
- Anchor failure: Anchor failure occurs when one of the places the seat belt is attached to breaks and the passenger is no longer restrained.
- Spooling: Spooling takes place when an excessive amount of the seat belt is fed out and the passenger is not restrained because the seat belt is too loose.
Seat Belt Recalls
You should always stay up to date with any recalls your car might have. There have been thousands of vehicles with recalls in the last couple of years with specific seat belt issues.
- Tesla recalled over 800,000 cars due to seat belt alerts that might not work.
- Additionally, Hyundai recalled 2022 Elantras for exploding seatbelt devices.
- Some popular three-row SUVs will need a free repair because their third-row seat belts might not protect occupants in a crash. The recall includes nearly 500,000 of the 2021 and 2022 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL SUVs.
What to do if you have been injured from a failed seat belt?
If you’ve been in an accident where a seat belt has failed, you may be wondering what your next steps are. The first thing you should do is seek medical attention – even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s always best to get checked out by a professional. Once you’ve seen a doctor, you may want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and whether you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a seat belt failure, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The knowledgeable attorneys at The Miller Law Firm are here to assist you with your case. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by calling 713-572-3333. You will never pay anything unless The Texas Bulldog wins or settles your case.
