Automobile Defects
Even though auto accidents occur all the time and many times from human error, accidents can also be caused or worsened by an inadequate safety mechanisms or defective automobiles. Defects in automobiles come in many forms. Sometimes the very devices that are designed to protect the passengers cause severe injuries. For example, airbags and safety belts have been known to cause serious injuries, sometimes resulting in paralysis. Other times, injuries result when safety devices like brakes are defective and fail.
Other problems can also exist. Many sports utility vehicles (“SUVs”) are prone to rollovers, causing over 20,000 injuries and 10,000 deaths a year. Twelve and fifteen passenger vans, popular with schools, sports teams, senior citizens groups and even daycare centers, are prone to rollover causing serious injuries and death to the passengers. And, when a vehicle does roll over, a number of vehicles have been found to have roofs that cannot withstand the rollover, collapsing and causing injuries or deaths of drivers and passengers. Our consults on automobile defect cases are free. We handle such matters on a contingent fee basis. Examples of cases that we have handled and would consider handling include:
Below are links to videos prepared by our experts that demonstrate the difference in damage (and resultantly injuries to passengers) from a properly designed automobile versus one that was defectively designed.
Video 1 Simulation of Crash Event of 1993 Geo Prizm and 2003 Honda Pilot: Knott Laboratory’s computer animation for a Pribanic & Pribanic crashworthiness case (which successfully settled with General Motors), showing maximum deformation in the crash event. According to our expert: “The actual crush at [the right front passenger's] position was approximately 20 inches,” while “The actual crush at [the right rear passenger's] position corresponds with the maximum crush, and is therefore 38.6 inches.” |
Video 2 Simulation of Crash Event under Safer, Alternative Design: Knott Laboratory’s computer animation for the same crashworthiness case, showing maximum deformation in the hypothetical collision under the feasible, alternative design. Under the law of conservation of energy, the less energy absorbed by the Prizm at impact requires that the Pilot absorb the difference. Note the dramatically decreased penetration into the redesigned Prizm, and the increased frontal damage to the Pilot. |