Ford has issued a vehicle defect recall for about 7,580 2019 Ford Ranger Supercab vehicles in the United States because of defective seatbelts that may not have been properly assembled. According to a news report, the vehicles were built between June 18, 2018, and June 19, 2019, at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. Another 400 recalled cars are in Canada.
Seatbelts Might Not Work
The issue stems from the improper front seatbelt. Ford says the belt may have been improperly assembled, although the automaker did not say how the assembly may have gone wrong. The affected seatbelts might not be able to properly restrain a passenger in the event of a crash, increasing the chance of injury.
Ford said it is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to this potential defect. When the recall begins, technicians will inspect the right front seatbelt and replace the whole belt assembly as necessary, which should fix the problem.
Faulty Seatbelts and Product Liability
Seatbelts save thousands of lives and are precious safety devices, especially in car crashes, because they keep occupants in place and thereby help prevent serious injuries. However, when these crucial safety devices fail, serious injuries and even fatalities can occur.
Seatbelt failures can result from a flawed design or a manufacturing defect. When injuries or deaths occur due to a defective seatbelt, an expert should examine the restraint system and help determine whether it performed as intended during a crash.
When a vehicle occupant is injured after being partially or fully ejected, it is essential to investigate whether the seat restraint system failed. The vehicle involved in the crash must be preserved so an expert can thoroughly examine it for any product defects, malfunctions, or design flaws.
The best auto defect law firms will have the resources and network of experts necessary to conduct these independent investigations and determine the facts of the case.
When seatbelt failure causes injuries to vehicle occupants, the injured victims can file a product liability claim against the automaker and the seatbelt maker. The injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earnings, the cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
Families of deceased victims can seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. An experienced auto product liability attorney can help injured victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
