The Dangers of Car Seat and Seatback Failure

Seatback Dangers

As a passenger or driver, you trust the auto components of your vehicle to keep you secure and safe in your travels. However, car seat strength is one of the most critical issues that the automobile industry has severely overlooked. When involved in a motor vehicle crash, specifically rear-end collisions, if the driver's car seat fails from the impact, it poses significant dangers by collapsing backward and severely injuring the passenger behind.

Automobile Seatback Research

A CBS News investigation has prompted a seatback safety reform included in the infrastructure bill, which mandated action on car seat safety. This new infrastructure bill will require a change from the aftermath of many lives lost due to this safety hazard. CBS News revealed over 100 cases of young children suffering from severe injuries or have died due to seatback failure accidents.

The NHTSA and vehicle manufacturers state that current automobile seatbacks meet the federal standard (FMVSS 207) for seatback strength. However, this is a fundamental issue since the safety standard was established in 1967 and has not been updated. Under this new bill, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must upgrade the federal seat strength safety standard; this will help ensure protection for children sitting in the back seat of automobiles.

Although car seat failures are rare, it's crucial to understand that the auto industry and vehicle manufacturers failed to implement appropriate seatback strength for half a century. Our Corpus Christi car seat failure attorneys provide you with a comprehensive overview of the potential hazards of seatback failure and essential information from a product liability standpoint.

How Does Seatback Failure Happen?

Seatback failure occurs when the back of the front car seat collapses during a car accident. It has been found that weak car seats collapse backward when the vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision; this can occur at speeds as low as 25mph. This type of accident can result in severe and catastrophic injuries.

The Risks of Seatback Failure

A vehicle involved in a rear-end collision where the seat collapses backward can lead to fatal outcomes for all passengers involved. If the seat does not remain in its usual position during a crash, it causes the seatbelts and airbags to be ineffective and can cause severe injuries and death.

  • The occupants can be ejected from the vehicle.

  • The vehicle's passengers can potentially be propelled into the car's rear compartment and collide with various car components.

  • Drivers can potentially lose control of the vehicle, leading to a more severe crash.

Catastrophic Injuries

Car seats are supposed to withstand even the highest amount of impact in a collision. In a rear-end crash, weak seatbacks can collapse and can cause occupants to sustain minor to severe injuries such as:

Although this remains an ongoing issue, you can help reduce the chances of a car seat failure by following safety precautions and practicing good judgment. If an accident happens, you should feel safe and secure inside your vehicle. If you have experienced any type of auto defect that has caused you to suffer from an injury, it's essential to hold the correct party accountable for the damages.

Contact a Corpus Christi Car Seat Failure Attorney

Elliott & Ritch, LLP has over two decades of experience fighting for consumers whose defective products have been wrongfully injured. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a seatback failure, it's essential to act quickly to preserve the evidence necessary to investigate the claim. Contact us today at (361) 733-3003 to schedule a free case consultation; we strive to get you the compensation you deserve.