When you buy a new vehicle, you expect that everything will be top of the line when it comes to safety features. You want to trust that the automaker would not release a vehicle that would perform poorly in an accident and potentially subject you to an increased risk of injury in a crash. However, some of the vehicles that are being driven on area roadways may have flaws that could lead to serious injuries in rear-end accidents.
In many passenger vehicles, the rear seat backs collapse when struck from behind. This means that the seat does not keep its structural integrity, and those who are occupying those seats could become much more severely injured in an accident.
Automakers say that the seats comply with all current industry safety regulations, but, it should be noted that these regulations have been in place since the 1960s. There have been almost no changes to these standards since they first went in place.
Several motorists who have been in rear-end accidents have suffered significant injuries due to the collapsing seats. Unfortunately, this includes many children in car seats.
Officials have asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to implement stronger restrictions on rear seat backs. The agency has admitted that it does not know how many injuries and deaths have been caused by collapsing seats, but stated that the number is probably severely underreported.
What to do if you have been injured in an accident
If you have been in an accident and suffered an injury, you need to talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to review the situation to determine the potential avenues of compensation that will be available to you.
In the event that a faulty seat back was an issue in your case, you will need to work with a law firm that understands how to present this evidence to establish your claim. These can be complex cases, and automakers and their insurers may be unwilling to provide you with fair compensation.
You should never accept an offer from an opposing party or insurance company without first speaking to an experienced attorney. You need someone who is going to look out for your best interests, especially in the early stages of your case.