Crashworthiness is the extent to which a vehicle can prevent injury to occupants in the event of an accident. Crashworthiness mainly addresses what is called “secondary collision,” which means vehicle occupants coming into contact with the interior of the vehicle (the steering wheel or windshield for example). In the event of a car accident, crashworthiness features such as airbags, seat belts, headrests and crumple zones are intended to minimize driver and passenger injuries, prevent occupants from being ejected from the automobile and reduce the risk of fire. We buy our cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), trucks, vans and minivans with these kinds of safety features in mind, especially when we are buying family vehicles. However, many automobiles do not provide adequate protection or are otherwise defective in one or more of these areas.

Crashworthiness failures can result in serious injury and impairment, or even death. Examples of crashworthiness problems include airbag defects (failure to deploy or deploying when they shouldn’t), seatbelt malfunctions, insufficient side impact protection, and roof crush and seatback defects. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 41,000 people nationwide were killed in car accidents in 2007. Another 2.5 million people in the United States were injured in motor vehicle crashes during this same time period. The experienced car accident lawyers of Feldman Shepherd have secured substantial verdicts and settlements for vehicle crash and defect victims throughout the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our clients include drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and their family members and beneficiaries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, SUV accident, or pickup truck or van accident, it is crucial that you contact an experienced attorney immediately. Our dedicated injury lawyers can help you obtain all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This might include money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical bills and lost wages or other financial damages. Only a trial lawyer who has resolved many vehicle accident matters can decide the best strategy for handling your case.

At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to obtaining the best possible recovery for our clients as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Related News and Media Coverage:

	Confidential Settlement for Injuries Caused by Lack of Headrest in Ford F150 February 2, 2009
	Devastation Due to Out-of-Date Guardrails (NBC10) October 29, 2008