This past week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments concerning consumer lawsuits and vehicle safety. At issue - a 2000 ruling that shields automakers from liability if their vehicles meet minimum federal standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to Bloomberg News, several justices hinted that car accident victims should be allowed to sue, even if the minimum standards are met. As explained by Justice Sotomayor, "A minimum by definition gives manufacturers options."
The issue was raised as the result of state claims, including California, that manufacturers dragged their feet in installing airbags. Currently, NHTSA standards apply to numerous auto parts including windshield wipers, seat belts and trunk releases.
As a California personal injury attorney concerned about consumer safety, I am hopeful the Supreme Court will side with the victims of car accidents. Often through no fault of their own, individuals suffer serious and fatal accidents as the result of dangerous and defective parts. Shielding carmakers from improving those parts - just because a standard is in place - provides no incentive for manufacturers to do better. Ultimately, automakers must be held accountable when their products lead to serious injures, and even death.
For more information, or if you have been injured in a car accident caused by a defective part, contact The Law Office of Frederick J. Sette, dedicated to helping those injured for more than 15 years.
