Seat Back Collapse
Seat Backs and Their Role in Vehicle Safety
Properly functioning seat backs, in addition to seat belts, ensure that occupants remain positioned upright in their seat during the impact of a crash, along with providing the passenger with back support and comfort.
Seat Back Collapses in Rear Impact Accidents
Rear impact collisions at speeds as low as 12 mph can, however, cause some seat backs to collapse if the seat back has a faulty design. When seat backs collapse, occupants can be ejected, which may cause trauma to the head or neck. Or, as a result of the collapse, they can suffer serious spinal cord injuries from impact with rear seat backs or cargo.
Smartmotorist.com cited one study of 23 rear impact crashes involving front seat back collapses. This study showed that in rear impact accidents, front seat passengers are either partially or totally ejected from their seat during impact in a majority of seat back collapse incidents.
Seat Back Collapse Lawsuits
It is believed that through confidential settlements, manufacturers have concealed many other instances of defective seat backs which collapsed and caused needless occupant injuries and deaths.
Seat and Car Accident Attorneys/Lawyers
If you have been injured, or a loved one has been killed, in an accident involving a collapsed seat back or other auto defect and would like to learn more about your legal rights, please contact an attorney at Lieff Cabraser. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.
