Seattle Occupant Ejection Attorneys
When the occupant of a vehicle is partially or completely ejected from the vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. Vehicle occupants who are ejected can suffer catastrophic injuries or even death. Those who are ejected are also in danger of being run over by other vehicles on the roadway. There are several reasons why these horrific accidents and injuries can occur. Anyone who has been injured in a Washington occupant ejection car accident would be well-advised to contact an experienced lawyer to assess their legal rights and options.
Occupant Ejection Statistics
According to SafeRoads.org, every year, nearly 9,000 people are killed and another 20,000 are injured in partial or total occupant ejection accidents. Over the last 25 years, more than 200,000 people were killed in occupant ejection car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that about 28 percent of all fatal injuries suffered in car accidents involve occupant ejection and about 75 percent of injured victims who are completely ejected from the vehicle suffer fatal injuries.
Safety Devices Meant to Prevent Occupant Ejections
There are several safety devices in a vehicle, which are supposed to ensure that the occupant is not ejected from the vehicle in the event of a violent crash. First and foremost, it is crucial that all motorists and occupants wear a seatbelt at all times. However, there are times where defective seatbelts fail to protect occupants from ejection. When a seat restraint system fails, a vehicle occupant could be totally or partially ejected from the vehicle. This could lead to serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and broken bones. The same also applies to child safety seats. When the occupant of a vehicle is ejected due to a defective product, the automaker or the manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable.
Wrongful Death Cases
The family of someone killed in a Seattle occupant ejection accident may pursue financial compensation for their loss from the at-fault party by filing a wrongful death claim. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Defective seatbelt manufacturer
- Negligent car driver
- Governmental entity in charge of maintaining a dangerous roadway
To prove liability for a Washington occupant ejection accident, the victim's family would be well advised to seek out an experienced personal injury attorney who can:
- Request a copy of the police report
- Review the history of the location where the crash took place
- Preserve the vehicle in its damaged state for a thorough investigation
- Examine the crash site for evidence related to the cause of the crash
- Inspect the vehicle for frayed or broken seatbelts and defective airbags
Depending upon the outcome of the investigation, the at-fault party may be held liable for a number of damages, including hospital bills, funeral expenses, lost future wages, pain and suffering, and a loss of companionship. The reputed Seattle car accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast have years of experience handling all types of injury accidents. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an occupant ejection accident, please do not hesitate to call our law offices for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
