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Los Angeles Injury Attorneys

Seat Belt Injuries Attorneys in Los Angeles

Seatbelts are designed to protect you in the event of an accident. In California, all drivers and passengers in a vehicle are required to wear a seatbelt at all times.  Seatbelts have saved numerous lives and prevented catastrophic injuries. In the event that you do not wear a seatbelt, you could get thrown out of the vehicle, sustaining injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, which could be permanent.

But, if you have been injured in a car accident and believe that the injuries you have suffered were actually caused by the seat belt, you may have the right to get compensated for the injuries, along with any pain and suffering. 

Seat belt injuries are somewhat difficult to prove and will require an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney. Not all attorneys have experience handling cases involving seatbelt injuries. Although you will need to wear a seatbelt at all times, there are instances when wearing it could do more harm than good. This is a very rare occurrence, but if you or someone you know has experienced such a situation, you may be eligible to recover compensation.

Seatbelts are designed to protect passengers and reduce the risk of severe injuries in the event of an accident. However, seat belt defects can lead to severe injuries, turning a safety device into a source of harm. Common seat belt defects include issues such as failure to latch properly, incorrect belt positioning, or malfunctioning retractors. In these cases, victims may experience injuries like chest trauma, abdominal injuries, or fractures.

Types of Seat Belt Injuries

When a seat belt fails or is worn improperly, it can cause several types of injuries:

  • Seat Belt Syndrome: This condition is characterized by bruising across the chest and abdomen, which may indicate internal injuries, such as organ damage.
  • Abdominal Injuries: These occur when excessive force from the belt damages internal organs, leading to severe pain and possible internal bleeding.
  • Clavicle Fractures: The shoulder strap can cause fractures to the collarbone, especially during high-impact collisions.

These injuries are not only painful but can also lead to long-term medical issues that require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a seat belt defect, it is essential to consult with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney. At Heidari Law Group, we provide comprehensive legal support to victims of car accidents and those injured by defective seatbelts. Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident, examine the vehicle for defects, and collaborate with experts to determine if the injury was caused by a malfunctioning seatbelt.

Why Are Seat Belt Defects Dangerous?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented cases where seat belts fail to protect occupants due to manufacturing defects. For instance, several automakers have recalled vehicles due to seat belt issues that increase the risk of injury in a collision. Recent examples include Tesla and Ford, which have recalled thousands of vehicles due to seat belt malfunctions, highlighting the ongoing problem of defective safety systems.

To learn more about recent seat belt recalls and the risks associated with these defects, you can read about it on NBC Los Angeles or ABC7 News.

What To Do if You Are Injured

If you have suffered a seat belt injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Documenting your injuries and the circumstances of the accident can significantly strengthen your case if you choose to pursue a claim. Statistics show that proper seatbelt use significantly reduces the risk of fatal injuries; however, when defects are present, even properly worn seatbelts can cause harm (source: CDC).

At Heidari Law Group, we work to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Our legal team will help evaluate all evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Visit our website to learn more about how we can assist with your case and review the details of other successful claims.

FAQ: Common Questions About Seat Belt Defects

Q: What are my legal options if my seat belt fails during an accident?

A: If you suspect a seat belt defect caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation. This includes damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contacting an experienced attorney can help determine the extent of liability and pursue a lawsuit against the responsible parties, such as the vehicle manufacturer.

Q: How common are seat belt defects?

A: While seat belts are crucial safety devices, defects are not unheard of. Automakers periodically issue recalls for faulty seat belts. For example, Tesla has issued recalls for thousands of vehicles due to seatbelt issues in recent years, highlighting the importance of monitoring for such defects. Read more about these cases at NBC Los Angeles.

What Will Our Seat Belt Injury Attorneys Do for You?

Seat belt injuries can be complex, often involving defective products or malfunctioning safety mechanisms. At Heidari Law Group, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to building a strong case for clients who have been affected by such accidents. We understand the intricacies of personal injury law, particularly when it comes to product liability claims related to seatbelt defects. Here’s how we can assist you:

Comprehensive Accident Investigation

When you file a seat belt injury lawsuit in Los Angeles, proving that the seat belt caused your injuries is crucial. Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, meticulously examining the seat belt’s malfunction. This process involves gathering all necessary evidence and determining the role the seatbelt played in the incident. Our team will explore the specifics of the accident, including crash dynamics, to establish a clear link between the defect and your injury.

Researching Recalls and Safety Regulations

Our attorneys thoroughly research national and local databases, examining any recalls or relevant safety regulations that may apply to your case. We carefully examine if the seat belt involved in your accident was subject to any recalls, identifying if the manufacturer failed to address known safety issues. We also stay updated on the latest seat belt defect statistics and news; for instance, according to Fox 11, recent studies show a significant increase in seat belt failures leading to injuries in California.

Collaborating with Industry Experts

We collaborate with top-rated experts in seat belt defects and accident investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of the defect. By working with these professionals, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the product failed and how it contributed to your injury. This expert testimony is often crucial in building a compelling case, especially when presenting evidence in court or during settlement negotiations.

Filing a civil lawsuit involves a multitude of forms and legal documents. If any of these forms are filled out incorrectly, it can jeopardize your case. Our attorneys ensure that all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted on time, so you don’t have to worry about administrative errors. We know the ins and outs of California’s legal system and handle every aspect of your case with precision.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Negotiations with insurance companies or third-party attorneys can be stressful and complicated. Our team fights for your rights, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. We have a proven track record of dealing with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel, negotiating settlements that reflect the full extent of our clients’ injuries and losses.

Litigation and Trial Representation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial. We are experienced litigators who are not afraid to stand up for your rights in court. Our firm has a history of successfully representing clients in seat belt injury cases, ensuring justice is served. We build strong arguments, supported by expert witnesses, to prove negligence and obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of injuries can result from defective seat belts?
A: Common injuries include chest trauma, whiplash, internal injuries, and lacerations caused by seat belt malfunctions. It’s important to consult an attorney to determine if your injury was due to a defect.

Q: How do I know if my seat belt was defective?
A: Defects may include issues like latch failure, improper retraction, or weak webbing. Our team can help investigate whether these defects were present and if they contributed to your injuries.

Seat Belt Injuries: Defect Responsible Parties, typically

Usually, in cases where a seatbelt defect has caused injuries, the responsible parties are the auto manufacturers and retailers. For example, auto manufacturers could include:

  • Ford
  • Toyota
  • BMW
  • Honda
  • Mercedes
  • GM
  • Volkswagen
  • Hyundai
  • Lexus
  • Tesla
  • Mazda

The examples above are just a few of the common vehicle manufacturers that could be held responsible. It takes a strong attorney to take on these vehicle manufacturers and ensure that you receive top-rated legal care. We will handle all communications with the other side, so you don’t have to worry about any conflicts, and you can focus on your injuries and ensure that you attend all appointments.

What happens when a seatbelt fails?

A seatbelt is designed to hold the passenger or driver in a rigid position and secure them in the event of an accident or collision. A seatbelt can do this with the help of a crash tensioner. A crash tensioner tightens during an accident or collision. However, there are circumstances where the tensioner does not function properly. This means that it could come loose, or it could tighten the occupier even more, causing injuries like broken bones.

What are examples of a seatbelt failure?

A seatbelt failure could occur in several different ways. Below are some examples of seatbelt failures:

  • Buckle failure: a seatbelt must buckle in properly. There are circumstances in which the seat belt buckle could come undone in an accident, potentially causing more severe injuries.
  • Defective straps: a seatbelt strap could be very thin or worn out, and may not be able to hold the passenger or driver securely.
  • Improper shoulder belt: the seatbelt shoulder belt must be properly on top of the shoulder. If placed improperly or designed improperly, it could result in injuries.
  • Improper retracting: a seatbelt must retract properly after an accident. When a seatbelt does not retract properly, it can cause more substantial injuries.

What are common injuries from a seatbelt accident?

Below are some examples of injuries that can be sustained from a seatbelt.

All of the above injuries are commonly associated with seat belt accidents and injuries. These injuries will also require thousands of dollars in medical bills and assistance to treat the injuries and ensure that the injured person receives top-quality medical care. 

Los Angeles Seatbelt Injuries Lawyers Near Me

Our personal injury attorneys at Heidari Law are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the top-rated legal assistance they need to move forward. Unfortunately, seat belt injuries could result in permanent injuries that will require serious medical treatment. You may be eligible to receive compensation for these medical treatments with the help of a top-rated attorney.

Our experienced attorneys have been representing injured victims for the last several decades. Not many people realize that they can file a lawsuit for seat belt injuries if their seatbelt has a defect. If you suspect that you were injured by the seatbelt itself, please call us today to discuss.

Why Should You Hire Our Los Angeles Lawyers?

Our lawyers are committed to holding responsible parties accountable for their actions. We also operate our law firm on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee basis means that you only pay our attorneys if we win compensation for you. If we do not secure compensation for you, you owe our attorneys nothing. Contact us today to get started on your seatbelt injury lawsuit.

Our attorneys also offer complimentary consultations. A consultation is an appointment with an attorney where you can discuss your potential lawsuit and have your questions answered by a highly rated attorney.

Heidari Law Group Los Angeles Practice Areas