The Influence of Vehicle Safety Features on Personal Injury Claims
With the advancement of technology, we now see new and innovative vehicle safety features that have changed the way we drive and how we are protected in the event of an accident. Whether through human error or system malfunctions, these advanced safety features can potentially impact your compensation and liability in a personal injury claim.
At Younglove Law Group, we understand how vital vehicle safety features are in preventing severe injuries, but we also know they can complicate personal injury claims. Our extensive experience handling complex cases has helped clients navigate these challenges to secure fair compensation. Our dedicated team is committed to advocating for your rights every step of the way.
What Role Does Advanced Safety Systems Play in Accidents?
From self-driving cars to automatic braking, lane departure warnings, and backup cameras, there are a wide variety of advanced safety features used in the design and manufacturing of modern vehicles. These systems aim to reduce the number of car accidents that occur and protect you in case of an accident. According to the National Safety Council, ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, can potentially prevent 62% of traffic deaths annually.
Even with these technological advancements, there is no guarantee that the safety features of your vehicle will function properly 100% of the time. Because of this, you are still obligated to practice safe driving and maintain your duty of care to the other drivers on the road.
If you have been in a car accident, it is vital you contact a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate your unique situation. These advances in safety features can play a role in the outcome of your personal injury claim.
New Federal Rule Requires Automatic Emergency Braking by 2029
In April 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finalized Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 127, a new federal rule requiring automatic emergency braking on all new passenger cars and light trucks. Under the rule, published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2024, every new light vehicle must be able to detect and stop for a vehicle ahead at speeds up to 62 mph and detect and brake for a pedestrian at speeds up to 45 mph. Automakers have until September 1, 2029, to comply, with small-volume manufacturers given an extra year.
This changes the liability picture going forward. Once the mandate takes effect, a new vehicle involved in a collision that a functioning automatic emergency braking system should have prevented may point toward a defect or malfunction claim against the manufacturer, rather than, or in addition to, driver error. Vehicles built before the compliance date are not required to have the feature at all, which is itself often relevant to how a jury evaluates a manufacturer’s safety choices in an older model.
How Can Safety Features Impact Personal Injury Claim Outcomes?
Despite the positive advantages of safety features in preventing car accidents and reducing injuries and death, they can also create complications in personal injury claims. Determining the liability in an accident involving a car with ADAS can be difficult and requires the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
For example, if you are rear-ended after the other driver’s automatic braking fails to engage, there can be confusion over who is liable between the driver and the manufacturer of the braking system. This can also cause disputes between yourself and your insurance company. Because of this confusion, contacting a personal injury lawyer is always advised before talking to any insurance claims adjusters.
How Do Safety Feature Defects Affect Personal Injury Claims?
When buying a new vehicle, you trust it will function as advertised. However, there are cases when faulty products have been installed that could cause potential harm to you or other drivers on the road. When a safety feature malfunctions and causes injury rather than preventing it as intended, this is known as a product liability case.
In product liability cases, the business or manufacturer who produced that product can be held liable for any damage or injury that resulted from the malfunction. Take the General Motors ignition switch case, for example. In this situation, vehicles with the faulty ignition switch would shut off while still in motion. This made it impossible for the airbag to deploy in the event of an accident. GM was held liable for the defective product, which resulted in a recall of millions of vehicles and a class action settlement of $121.1 million.
If you are involved in a car accident that is the result of a faulty or malfunctioning safety product, it is crucial you contact a trusted personal injury lawyer to help you in understanding your legal options and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Can Younglove Law Group Help You Navigate Your Safety Feature Injury Claim?
At Younglove Law Group, we recognize that advanced vehicle safety features can complicate personal injury claims, especially when there are questions about liability or system failures. Our team has the experience and knowledge necessary to thoroughly investigate your accident and determine how these features may impact your case. We work diligently to identify the responsible parties and build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our firm is committed to providing personalized assistance, maintaining open communication, and offering relentless advocacy for our clients. Whether dealing with malfunctioning safety technology or navigating disputes with insurance companies, we are prepared to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Safety Features and Injury Claims
Will all new cars be required to have automatic emergency braking?
Yes. Under a federal rule finalized in 2024, automakers must equip all new passenger cars and light trucks with automatic emergency braking by September 1, 2029, with an extra year for small-volume manufacturers. Vehicles made before that deadline are not required to have the feature.
Who is liable if a car’s automatic braking system fails to prevent a crash?
It depends on why the system failed. If the driver was not paying attention or drove unsafely, liability typically falls on the driver. If the system itself malfunctioned due to a design or manufacturing defect, the vehicle or component manufacturer may share liability under product liability law. Often both angles need to be investigated.
Does having advanced safety features reduce how much compensation I can recover?
Not on its own. The presence of safety technology does not reduce your right to compensation for injuries someone else caused. It can, however, add complexity to the investigation, since it may be necessary to determine whether the system worked as intended before liability is fully sorted out between the driver, the manufacturer, or both.
How is a defective safety feature different from a car accident caused by driver error?
A driver error claim focuses on how the driver operated the vehicle, while a defective safety feature claim, a form of product liability, focuses on whether the vehicle or a specific component performed as designed. The two are not mutually exclusive, and a single crash can sometimes support claims against more than one party.
What evidence do I need if I suspect a safety feature malfunctioned in my accident?
Vehicle event data recorder information, maintenance and recall records, and any manufacturer recalls related to the specific system are typically the most useful evidence. An attorney can help secure and preserve this data before it is lost or overwritten.
