Vehicle safety has evolved dramatically over the decades, but questions remain about how well our cars protect us in a car accident. While modern vehicles come equipped with numerous safety features, not all vehicles offer equal protection. Understanding your car’s safety mechanisms and knowing your legal rights following an accident can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
What Safety Features Should My Vehicle Have?
Today’s automobiles offer impressive safety technologies designed to prevent accidents and reduce injuries:
- Antilock braking systems
- Electronic stability control
- Adaptive headlights
- Advanced driver assistance systems
- Airbags (now standard in most vehicles)
- Reinforced door beams
- Seatbelt pretensioners
- Crumple zones
- Side-impact protection
When purchasing a new or used vehicle, research safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What Is the Difference Between Active and Passive Safety Features?
Active safety features work to prevent accidents from occurring. These include technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and backup cameras. Passive safety features activate during a collision to minimize injuries. Examples include airbags, seatbelts, crumple zones, and reinforced passenger compartments. Both types work together to create a comprehensive safety system for vehicle occupants.
How Do I Know if My Vehicle Is Crashworthy?
Manufacturers have legal obligations to design and build vehicles that meet federal safety standards and reasonably protect occupants in foreseeable accidents. Crashworthiness refers to how well a vehicle protects its occupants during a collision. Several factors influence this, including the vehicle’s structural design, restraint systems, and safety features. A crashworthy vehicle maintains its structural integrity, minimizes occupant impact with interior components, and prevents ejection. The roof should withstand rollover forces, and the fuel system must remain intact to avoid fire hazards.
Can I Sue the Person Who Caused the Crash and the Vehicle Manufacturer?
Yes, you may have claims against multiple parties following an automobile accident. If another driver caused the crash through negligence, you have grounds to pursue compensation from them. Additionally, if a defect in your vehicle contributed to your injuries, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. This could include defective design, manufacturing flaws, or failure to warn about known dangers. These dual claims can proceed simultaneously as they address different aspects of liability for your injuries.
What Compensation Might I Receive in a Vehicle Safety Case?
Compensation in vehicle safety cases typically covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If a manufacturer knowingly distributed unsafe vehicles or failed to issue timely recalls, punitive damages might apply in some jurisdictions. The compensation amount depends on factors like injury severity, impact on quality of life, and lost earning capacity. Documentation of all expenses and professional medical testimony strengthen these claims.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Each state has established statutes of limitations that determine how long you have to file a claim after an accident. These time limits vary significantly, averaging two to three years, depending on your location and the type of claim. Product liability claims against manufacturers may have deadlines different from negligence claims against other drivers, though. Additionally, some states have “discovery rules” that extend deadlines when injuries or defects are not immediately apparent. Consulting with a lawyer promptly after an accident helps avoid missing these critical deadlines.
A Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer at Samuel Anyan Attorney At Law Advocates for Vehicle Safety and Represents Injured Clients
Contact a Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Samuel Anyan Attorney At Law today for dedicated support and help with holding negligent parties accountable for your injuries. For a free consultation, submit our online form or call 833-372-6946. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients in Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Dauphin County, Berks County, Lehigh County, and Northampton County.