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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. If 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 seat belt actually caused the injuries you have suffered, 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 must wear a seatbelt at all times, there are instances when wearing it may 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 cause severe injuries, rendering a safety device a source of harm. Common seat belt defects include failure to latch properly, improper 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 of the chest and abdomen, which may indicate internal injuries, including 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 may cause fractures of the clavicle, particularly 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.

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 cars due to seat-belt malfunctions, underscoring the ongoing issue of defective safety systems.

At Heidari Law Group, we work to ensure our clients receive the compensation they are entitled to. 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.

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 affected by such accidents. We understand the intricacies of personal injury law, particularly with respect to product liability claims arising from 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 seatbelt’s role 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.

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 requires numerous forms and legal documents. If any of these forms is completed incorrectly, it may 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 don’tal system and handle every aspect of your case with precision.

NegotiatiCalifornia’srance 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 is 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.

Seat Belt Injuries: Defect Responsible Parties, typically

In cases where a seatbelt defect has caused injuries, the responsible parties are typically 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 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 be properly buckled. There are circumstances in which the seat belt buckle may come loose during an accident, potentially causing more severe injuries.
  • Defective seatbelt straps: a seatbelt strap may be very thin or worn, and may be unable to hold the passenger or driver securely.
  • Improper shoulder belt: the seatbelt shoulder belt must be properly on top of the shoulder. If improperly placed or designed, it could result in injury.
  • 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 examples of injuries that may be sustained in a seatbelt.

All of the above injuries are commonly associated with seat-belt accidents. These injuries will also require thousands of dollars in medical expenses and assistance to treat them and ensure that the injured person receives high-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 represented injured victims for 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 the seatbelt itself injured you, 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 pay our attorneys only if we recover 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does wearing or not wearing a seat belt impact my injury claim in Los Angeles, CA?

California’s comparative negligence law may reduce the award if your failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to your injuries.