Seatbelts in automobiles first became readily available in the 1950s and 60s. The first seatbelts were two-point system belts which are also known as lap belts. Lap belts went across the waist and connected into a buckle. Later innovations of seatbelts included a three-point system in which the shoulder was harnessed, restricting movement in a collision with the dashboard, window, steering wheel or other parts of the vehicle.
During an automobile accident, there are two collisions that actually take place. The first involves the automobile with the object it hits, be it a car or other object. The second collision is with the occupants of the vehicle with the interior. Seatbelts are designed to minimize these collisions as much as possible and protect the occupants from injury.
While it has been statistically proven that seatbelts do save lives, defective seatbelts can actually increase injury or potentially be fatal. There are many ways in which a seatbelt can be defective. While seatbelt failure is more prevalent in older vehicles, newer models are still being released with defective seatbelts. Faulty retractors can cause a seatbelt to let out too much slack before retracting. The results of this type of failure are usually head and spinal cord injuries from the occupant moving around in the vehicle.
There are numerous ways in which a seat belt can become unlatched. Faulty webbing of the belt can cause the belt to rip loose in a collision. Unlatching or false latching causes the seat belt to come loose at the buckle end. Poor design can also create what is known as submarining. This is where the occupant is thrown forward and down. This can cause violent head and spinal cord injuries that can be fatal.
Seatbelts are designed to keep people safe in the event of a collision. However, when seatbelts are defective, they can be dangerous. If you have been injured because of a malfunctioning seatbelt, you should contact the Houston Seatbelt Defect Attorneys of The Gerardo Cantu Law Firm, P.C.. They will evaluate your case and put together a strategy to make sure you are compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering. You shouldn’t be held financially responsible for injuries you received through a manufacturer’s negligence. The Houston Personal Injury Attorney of The Gerardo Cantu Law Firm, P.C. will be your advocate against the manufacturers to make sure justice is served.
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