Crashworthiness
Experienced Lawyers in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancover, Vicinties Representing Victims of Roof Crush Accidents
Crashworthiness Explained
Crashworthiness refers to the ability of a vehicle to protect its occupants during a collision. There are several elements that contribute to a vehicle's crashworthiness rating, including:
- Seatbelts | A vehicle must have an appropriate number of functional seatbelts to properly protect its passengers. If an automobile has defective seatbelts, the results of an accident can be catastrophic.
- Air bags | Properly functioning airbags can greatly reduce the risk of death or injury during a crash.
- Crumple zones | These are areas in a vehicle that are designed to absorb pressure during a collision and prevent damage to the passenger cabin.
- Roof strength |The structural integrity and design of an automobile must be sound in order to prevent injuries from the roof crushing or caving in.
An auto accident attorney from our Washington practice can determine if any defects have compromised the crashworthiness of your vehicle.
Difference between a Crashworthiness Case and an Auto Accident Case
A crashworthiness case has different criteria than a simple auto accident case. In an auto accident case, the attorney seeks to determine what caused the accident and who was at fault. In a crashworthiness case, he or she determines whether passengers have suffered any additional injuries as a result of the vehicle's structural flaws. Under the crashworthiness doctrine, an accident like this is treated as two separate collisions. The first collision involves another vehicle, and the second occurs when a passenger is struck by the interior of his or her own vehicle. The auto manufacturer is held liable for any injury or death that occurs during the second collision.
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney in Washington
If you feel that you or a loved one has sustained unnecessary injuries as a result of vehicle defects, contact an auto accident attorney from our Washington firm today. One of our experienced lawyers can assess your circumstances and determine if you have a viable crashworthiness case.