- Recovering compensation after an injury from a defective product
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently performed a front passenger crash test on eight SUVs to determine how safe they were.
The IIHS says many automobile manufacturers focus on the driver side impact more than the passenger. The test was conducted to ensure auto manufacturers do not neglect passenger side impact safety.
The 2018 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee scored the lowest possible rating in the front passenger safety test.
The vehicles are propelled at 40 mph and strike a barrier with just the outer part of the vehicle’s bumper on the passenger side. The crash test mimics a vehicle hitting another car or tree.
The Explorer’s door frame was crushed inward by more than one foot. The IIHS says according to test dummies, injuries were likely to occur in the right hip and lower legs.
The Grand Cherokee’s test dummy’s head sunk into the airbag so far that it struck the dashboard. The side airbag failed to deploy, and the passenger door opened as well during the crash. Leg and head injuries would likely occur.
In the same passenger safety test, the Kia Sorento, Volkswagen Atlas and the GMC Acadia all earned the best possible rating.
The Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot all scored “acceptable” ratings.
It is important to know, that the IIHS is a private group that is financed by the auto insurance industry. The tests they perform are separate and different from those required by the federal government.
Recovering compensation after an injury from a defective product
It is a manufacturer’s responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers. If someone is injured due to a defective product, or poorly designed vehicle, a product liability claim may exist. A claim may be pursued to pay for damages caused by the defective product such as medical bills, missed time from work and pain and suffering.
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Start A Free EvaluationIf you or someone you know has been seriously injured by a defective product, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney to review your rights. Call 412-661-1400 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Pittsburgh at Berger and Green today.
Source: CNN Money, “Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer get worst ratings in crash test”
