Were you hurt by a seat belt during a car accident in Dallas, Texas? Seat belts are designed to protect you, but serious injuries can happen if their components fail during a crash. If a manufacturing defect or someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be eligible for financial compensation.
A Dallas seat belt injury lawyer at Trujillo Gonzalez, P.C. can review your claim and help you pursue a full financial recovery. Call (972) 550-6818 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Trujillo Gonzalez, P.C. After a Seatbelt Injury in Dallas?
Seatbelt injuries can happen because a negligent driver collided with you and caused whiplash or other injuries. Or, they can happen because a car or part manufacturer failed to make safe seat belts. You need a legal team that can win in either type of case and get the full value from your claim.
Clients across Dallas, TX, trust our car accident attorneys in Dallas because:
- Courtroom-tested. Our founding attorney James Trujillo has seen more than 300 trials and arbitrations through to a verdict, and that history shapes how we negotiate.
- Big-case results. Our wins include seven-figure outcomes in car accident cases, which means we are used to handling claims with a lot at stake.
- Peer and industry recognition. Texas Lawyer Magazine and the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum have taken note of our results.
- Se habla español. We work with clients and families in English and Spanish.
- Fees tied to your outcome. We work on contingency, so we are paid only when you are.
Contact our Dallas office today to explore your legal options and protect your rights.
Can a Seat Belt Cause Severe Injuries?
Under Chapter 545 of the Texas Transportation Code, Texas law requires drivers and front-seat passengers to wear safety belts and mandates appropriate child safety seats.
During high-speed crashes, seat belt straps exert intense pressure across your torso to prevent ejection. This force can cause significant physical injury even when the system works correctly.
Common seat belt injuries include:
- Severe bruises and cuts along the chest, shoulder, and hips
- Fractured ribs, collarbones, and breastbones
- Internal organ damage, abdominal bleeding, and intestinal injuries
- Spinal fractures, especially from lap belts without shoulder straps
- Neck injuries and severe whiplash
Proper seat belts prevent more severe injuries; product defects or another driver’s negligence can actually make injuries much worse.
What Counts as a Defective Seat Belt?
Seat belts can fail due to design flaws or manufacturing mistakes. Common defect patterns include:
- The latch unbuckles unexpectedly during heavy crash impact forces.
- Spooling mechanisms fail to lock or let out too much slack during an impact.
- Fabric straps tear or stretch beyond safe limits.
- Tightening mechanisms fail to pull belt slack tight upon impact.
- Auto repair shops improperly service or reinstall safety parts after prior accidents.
If a product flaw made your injuries worse, you may have grounds for a product liability lawsuit, rather than just an ordinary car accident claim against the driver who caused the crash.
Who Is Liable for Seatbelt Injury Claims in Texas?
Any party who contributed to your seatbelt injury can be held liable for their portion of damages. Depending on the details of your crash, liability may extend to multiple defendants, such as:
- Negligent drivers. Drivers who cause car accidents are often the primary party held responsible.
- Auto and parts manufacturers. Flaws in seat belt design or manufacturing support may lead to product liability claims.
- Auto repair shops. Negligent repairs or improper reassembly of seat belt mechanisms may create legal liability.
- Employers. Commercial trucking and fleet companies may share responsibility when their employees cause accidents.
If you share blame for your injuries, such as by not wearing a seatbelt or by using it improperly, your damages may be reduced to account for your share of fault. An experienced attorney can help you determine who is liable for your injuries and damages.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Seatbelt Injury Claim?
The value of your claim depends on the full extent of your medical needs and pain and suffering. A successful claim can provide financial compensation for economic and non-economic damages including:
- Past medical bills for hospital stays and surgeries you have already received.
- Future medical care for upcoming surgeries, ongoing medical treatment, and physical therapy you will need later.
- Lost wages for income you missed out on while taking time off to recover.
- Lost earning capacity if your injuries permanently reduce your ability to work and earn a living.
- Pain and suffering related to the initial injury and your recovery process.
- Compensation for the emotional distress, anxiety, and fear you experience following the crash.
- Disfigurement for long-term disability, permanent scarring, or loss of bodily function.
If a defective seatbelt or fatal crash claims the life of a loved one, Texas wrongful death laws allow surviving spouses, children, and parents to seek accountability. Family members may pursue compensation for lost financial support and companionship, among other things.
Punitive damages may also be available in rare cases to punish the defendant. An experienced attorney can help you identify and calculate the damages available in your claim.
Texas Statute of Limitations for Seatbelt Injury Actions
Under Texas law, personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. Product liability claims are also subject to a statute of repose.
If you miss the relevant deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation through the court system. Don’t let that happen to your claim.
Contact a Dallas Seatbelt Injury Attorney Today
Seat belts should protect your life. If it instead caused you harm, you deserve strong legal representation to hold the at-fault company or driver accountable.
At Trujillo Gonzalez, P.C., our attorneys have the resources to take on any claim against any defendant. Contact our Dallas personal injury lawyers today for a free, confidential case evaluation. You owe zero legal fees unless we secure financial compensation for you.
