A recent investigation conducted by CBS News reveals the dangers of current seat designs in many automobiles. According to the report, many cars have a serious defect when it comes to absorbing impact from a read-end hit. When a car is hit from behind, the front seat collapses back, endangering the passengers sitting behind the driver or front passenger.
Safety experts are demanding testing and revision to the seat design to protect the backseat riders. The motion comes after the Texas jury awarded a victim an over $124.5 million verdict against an automobile manufacturer for injuries sustained because of the defective seats. Researchers say it would only cost automakers a few dollars to stabilize the front seats.
Jesse Rivera, Jr. is a victim of the automotive defect. Seven at the time, young Jesse was in the backseat behind his father in their Audi Sedan. They were rear-ended in San Antonio, Texas, causing the front seat to break and the father to collide into his son. Jesse sustained permanent brain damage, slight loss of eyesight, and partial paralysis.
The family sued Audi, who supported their decision to keep the car seat design. The jury ruled in favor of the Rivera family, citing Audi’s “gross negligence” as the primary factor of the accident.
Such a case illustrates the need for safer car designs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is aware of the problem, but say that not enough incidents have been reported. However, CBS Investigation News found that over 100 people have been injured and 17 children killed because of the defect.
At Wyatt Law Firm, we believe that automakers should be held accountable for faulty car designs and any injuries that emerge because of them. It is particularly horrifying when children’s lives are put at risk. If you or a loved one was injured because of an auto defect, contact our San Antonio defect product attorneys today.