One type of claim which can arise from an automobile accident is an “automobile crashworthiness” claim. In most car accident injury cases, there is another driver who is at fault. The injured party sues the at-fault driver for compensation for the injuries suffered. A crashworthiness case is different, however. In a crashworthiness case, an injured driver may also bring a claim against the manufacturer of the car, asserting that some defect with the car either led to the accident or exacerbated the injuries sustained in the accident. Crashworthiness claims can involve:
- Brake failure
- Airbag failure
- Seat belt failure
- Gas pedal failure
- Insufficient crush zones on vehicles
Such a crashworthiness claim is a product liability claim because the plaintiff is claiming that a defect in the motor vehicle — either a design defect or a manufacturing defect — failed to protect the driver. Crashworthiness claims can be brought in many different motor vehicle accident contexts of:
- Car accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Train/light rail accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Distracted driver accidents
- Workplace auto accidents
- School bus accidents
- Fatal car accidents
Because crashworthiness claims often involve litigation against an automobile manufacturer that will spend large quantities of money defending such claims, the costs of bringing such a claim can often be quite large. Regrettably, although there may be many instances of crashworthiness claims, only those involving death or serious injury can practically be pursued.
Do not wait. If you have lost someone you love, or if you have been seriously hurt in a car accident, you might have a crashworthiness claim. You can talk with one of our lawyers free of charge. We will listen to the facts of your case and use our experience to determine whether we think you have a viable claim. Call 704-335-1500, 800-948-0577 toll-free, or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.
