Carmakers Liable for Defective Vehicle Safety Devices in Texas
Automobile safety features have advanced over the years. While they likely prevent many injuries and deaths when accidents happen, they are not without fault in some cases.

January 08, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As vehicle manufacturers develop safety features that are more complex and technologically advanced, consumers expect better protection and reliability in the event of a car crash. When standard safety devices like seatbelts, airbags and anti-lock brakes are used properly, but fail to work correctly, drivers or passengers may be injured or killed. Accident victims must hold carmakers responsible for the defective design or assembly of these safety components, as well as for any vehicle property damage, injuries or deaths that result.

When Safety Features Fail

Kenneth Alan Young of Tyler, Texas was lucky to survive a rollover crash in his Dodge Ram truck after losing control and swerving off a Texas highway in July. Despite wearing his seat belt, Young suffered severe injuries when the truck's roof collapsed and rendered other safety features in the vehicle ineffective. Young and his wife recently sued Chrysler for violating product liability law. Their lawsuit claims the roof provided poor protection, was defectively designed and that Chrysler failed to fully test and analyze its crashworthiness.

Typical Vehicle Safety Requirements

Carmakers must incorporate a variety of standard safety features in vehicles today, including devices like seatbelts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, head restraints and impact-absorbing steering. However, this safety equipment is not infallible. Seatbelts unlatch, airbags fail to deploy, anti-lock brake systems shut down, head restraints move and steering columns do not compress. Manufacturers must also ensure the design and assembly of their vehicles, like its structure, is safe and sound in case accidents occur.

Auto Manufacturers and Defect Liability

Automobile manufacturers are liable for any defects that cause injury or death in their vehicles when certain conditions exist. The vehicle, or any of its parts, design, assembly or handling, must present a defect that was "unreasonably dangerous," to drivers or passengers. The defect must also directly cause an injury or death when drivers or passengers correctly use the vehicle and its features. Additionally, owners must not have significantly altered the vehicle so much that they impact its intended performance.

Aiding Accident Victims

Automobile safety features have advanced over the years. While they likely prevent many injuries and deaths when accidents occur, they are not without fault in some cases. Kenneth Alan Young may have walked away without injury if Chrysler had been more diligent about testing or altering his truck's roof design and structure, but instead he is left to bear the burden of his injuries. Car accident victims today deserve better.

If you or your loved one was recently involved in a motor vehicle accident where a safety device or other feature failed and caused injury or death, you have the right to hold the carmaker accountable for any wrongdoing. Automobile defect cases can be complex and frustrating, so contacting a Texas product liability attorney immediately can improve the chances of recording and recovering key evidence. A lawyer experienced in product liability lawsuits may also help you recover for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical costs and wrongful death.

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