Crashworthiness and Trucking Accidents
As the number of motor vehicles on America's roadways increases, a certain number of accidents will inevitably occur; accordingly, involvement in a crash is largely considered part of the normal and expected use of a vehicle, rather than an extraordinary event. Because of this, most states require vehicles to meet certain crashworthiness standards.
The term crashworthiness refers to a vehicle's ability to protect its passengers in the event of a collision; each vehicle is manufactured with certain crashworthiness features designed to help minimize the effects of vehicular accidents on the people within, even during an accident involving a large truck. When these safety features do not function properly or a vehicle is not up to crashworthiness standards, a wrongful death or traumatic injury can result from a trucking accident that otherwise might have been far less damaging.
Crashworthiness Testing
Several types of tests are performed to assess a vehicle's crashworthiness. These tests typically involve placing crash test dummies in a vehicle and replicating representative crash situations to evaluate the vehicle's ability to protect passengers from damage. Crashworthiness tests frequently performed include:
- Frontal impact crashworthiness test: this test involves driving a vehicle into a solid wall or stationary vehicle to evaluate the effects of a head-on collision.
- Offset crashworthiness test: this test is similar to frontal impact crashworthiness tests; however, the area of impact is offset so that only a portion of the front of the car impacts another vehicle.
- Side impact crashworthiness test: this test evaluates the ability of a vehicle to protect passengers from side impact collisions, such as often occur at intersections.
- Rollover crashworthiness test: this test measures a vehicle’s ability to support itself and protect passengers when turned upside-down or on its side, and is frequently performed on sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
Defective Crashworthiness Features
Vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States are required to have a number of standard crashworthiness features to protect passengers' safety. However, these safety features can be vulnerable to manufacturing and design defects which reduce crashworthiness. Among the automotive defects which may be found to be detrimental to a vehicle's crashworthiness are the following:
- Malfunctioning airbags
- Insufficiently supported roof
- Improperly placed or poorly welded fuel tanks
- Ripped or otherwise damaged seatbelts
- Malfunctioning seatbelt latches or retractors
- Seat backs that crumple upon impact
- Doors that spring open upon impact
Find a Trucking Accident Attorney in Your Area
If you suspect that you or someone you love may have been injured due to a vehicle's inadequate crashworthiness, contact an experienced lawyer near you. A skilled trucking accident attorney can help evaluate whether the vehicle in question was properly manufactured and tested for crashworthiness.