Car seats are your first line of defense against injuries in an accident. Unfortunately, they do not always prevent injuries. In fact, car seats can be responsible for certain injuries under the right conditions. Those injuries can result in damages that may make another party liable, and you may be able to collect compensation.
The car seat-related injuries you can receive in a car accident vary substantially based on the situation. Whether it is a manufacturing error that made a defective car seat or a car accident caused by another driver, there may be legal options available to you.
Car Seat Injuries
Car seat-related injuries are caused by various factors, ranging from the physics involved in a car accident to the manufacturing of the car itself. Below are some of the most common injuries related to car seats.
Whiplash
Whiplash is common in car accidents and can be attributed to the design of car seats. In an accident, your car stops moving or changes direction suddenly. While a seatbelt can stop your body from flying out of the seat, your neck has to manage the full weight of your head. That often leads to strained or torn tissue in the neck as it experiences a high amount of stress during the accident. This results in an injury called whiplash that makes it hard for the neck to continue to function properly.
Whiplash can be a debilitating injury since severe damage to your neck means that your neck cannot support your head anymore. Without the ability to turn your head or even hold your head up, it could be impossible to go to work or experience life without pain.
Abrasions From the Seatbelt
One injury that people do not talk about much is an injury caused by the seatbelt. They are designed to lock and keep you from flying away from the seat, but that does not mean that you will not move at all. This can lead to abrasions on the skin and bruising, which can be very painful. In some cases, the damage is so bad that you may need significant medical treatment to heal.
Defective Car Seats
The design of car seats significantly contributes to how they perform in a car accident and what injuries you experience. Even with the best designs, they mean next to nothing if the car seat is somehow defective. If you are in a car accident with a defective car seat, the results can be much worse. That seat is much more likely to fail, given the high stresses of a car accident.
Depending on what caused the defect in the car seat, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, or the designer in some cases. A personal injury lawyer may be able to help you build and file a case that can help you with the costs of your recovery. However, your ability to file that lawsuit depends on specific factors in your case that you need to discuss with a personal injury attorney.
Can You Take Legal Action?
It is possible to take legal action if you are injured in a car accident. Who that legal action is against depends on the circumstances. In most cases, you may be able to sue the other party that caused your accident with the help of a personal injury attorney.
If your accident or injuries were caused by a car seat malfunction or defect in an accident, then your legal action may be against the designer or manufacturer. Either way, an attorney can help you determine if you have a credible case and help you figure out the specifics of what to do next.
Schedule a Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Your car seat is supposed to keep you safe in an accident. If it does not, then you may have the chance to take action because of it. To know what to do next in your specific situation, discuss your case with a lawyer for focused and specific guidance.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand the importance of ensuring that you and your family are protected while on the road. That is why we are dedicated to helping victims of car accidents receive the compensation and justice they deserve. Call Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. at (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
June 22, 2024
