Jacksonville Seat Belt Failure Accident Lawyers

The Jacksonville auto product liability attorneys at Farah & Farah, P.A., explain the importance of using seat belts while a driver or passenger in cars, trucks and SUVs.

A seat belt is one of the easiest safety devices to use. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that seat belt use in 2008 was up slightly from the year before. Florida has a mandatory seat belt law that requires passengers sitting in the front seat and children under 18 years old to wear a seat belt. Failure to wear a seat belt will result in a fine. Yet, many passengers still don’t buckle up.

What Happens When A Seat Belt Fails To Protect You?

There has been some question whether seat belts really save lives. Studies have shown that a seat belt will prevent you from being thrown from your seat if it has been designed correctly. A seat belt that has a design or manufacturing defect will not save you during an accident and may cause serious injuries.

Some defects found in seat belts are:

• Ineffective seat belt tension sensor
• Locked seat belt retractor
• Missing pieces of a seat belt such as a screw
• Seat belt parts coming into contact with one another thus releasing the seat belt
• Seat belts that do not latch correctly
• Unexpected seat belt release.

A manufacturer will be held responsible for any injuries that occur because of seat belt failure. If a defect in the seatbelt design or manufacturing process is discovered, it needs to be reported to the manufacturer who will then recall the car. Additionally, if the seat belt was repaired by a dealership and the seat belt failed at a later time, the dealer could be held responsible also. An injured driver or passenger could seek damages for medical costs, out-of-pocket expenses, property damage, loss of income, and pain and suffering with the help of a Jacksonville defective car part lawyer.

Florida Seat Belt Failure Accident Lawyers

Your life and those of your passengers rely on the safety of seat belts. If you were injured because of a defective seat belt, contact a Jacksonville seat belt failure accident attorney at Farah & Farah, P.A., for advice.