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Crashworthiness The Help You Need When You Need It Most

Crashworthiness in Car Accident Cases

Nashville Injury Lawyer Explains Vehicle Safety Standards

Even though car accidents should never happen, vehicle manufacturers must take into account the fact that they do. A car’s design must be as safe as possible in case of a crash. For this reason, safety measures like airbags and seatbelts are standard safety requirements. A safe design makes a car “crashworthy.” However, when car designers and manufacturers neglect certain precautions and considerations, a passenger may sustain unnecessary injuries during a crash. In these cases, you may be able to file a product liability claim for car defects against the manufacturer responsible.

After a car accident, it is not always clear if defective parts or a flawed design caused your injuries or a loved one’s wrongful death. However, Nashville injury lawyer Stanley A. Davis can investigate your crash and uncover the cause of the damage. If a faulty design contributed to the crash, he can assist you in holding the manufacturer accountable for these defects. In the past, he has helped thousands of car accident victims throughout Tennessee obtain successful verdicts and settlements in personal injury lawsuits.

What is Vehicle Crashworthiness?

In car design, “crashworthiness” refers to how well a vehicle keeps the driver and passengers safe during an accident. A car that is crashworthy will protect occupants from serious personal injuries during an accident, if possible. Features such as front and side airbags, seatbelts and reinforced roofs all contribute to a car’s crashworthiness. In addition, modern vehicle designs include a crumple zone which absorbs much of the force of a potentially deadly crash. Even the design and manufacture of a car’s tires contribute to its safety during a crash. In a crashworthy car, all of these features work together to protect passengers.

However, car defects can reduce a car’s crashworthiness and endanger occupants in the event of a wreck. For example, if an SUV’s design lacks a reinforced roll bar or other safety measure, the roof may collapse in the event of a crash. This can cause serious traumatic brain injuries and wrongful death, even in a relatively low-speed accident. In this case, a design defect results in a vehicle that was not crashworthy.

Who is Responsible for Injuries Caused by Uncrashworthy Vehicles?

Crashworthiness depends on a vehicle’s design and manufacture, so any company involved in the production of the car may be able to blame for injuries caused by a dangerous car. In a product liability case for crashworthiness, possible defendants may include:

  • Automobile company. The company that sells the car is almost always liable for injuries caused when a vehicle is not crashworthy, especially when design defects are to blame.
  • Manufacturing plant. Even if a vehicle’s design is crashworthy, manufacturing defects can render a vehicle unsafe in an accident. For example, if the manufacturer uses substandard materials to make the roof of an SUV, it may collapse during a rollover accident, regardless of the design.
  • Defective parts manufacturer. Many different companies often provide components for a single car. If any of these parts contain defects, you may be able to include the parts manufacturer in your product liability lawsuit. For example, many companies issued recalls for vehicles that contain defective Takata airbags. In a crash, these airbags can cause serious injuries due to manufacturing and design defects. As a result, vehicles that include Takata airbags are not crashworthy.

Personal injury claims involving crashworthiness are different from other product defect cases, which typically involve car defects that cause accidents. However, in crashworthiness claims, the cause of the crash generally does not matter. Instead, you may hold car companies accountable for excessive injuries that resulted from any wreck.

Hurt by Car Defects? Get a Free Review with Our Nashville Injury Lawyer

Car companies are responsible for creating vehicles that are safe not only when driving but also in the event of a crash. If you or a loved one suffers additional, preventable injuries during a car accident due to auto defects, you may be entitled to compensation through a product liability lawsuit.

Crashworthiness cases are often complex and difficult to prove. However, car accident attorney Stan Davis has experience investigating claims involving car defects throughout Tennessee. He will listen to your story, and can explain whether you may have a product liability case.

Contact Attorney Stan Davis online or call our Nashville office for a free initial consultation.

Your Success Is Our Success

Real Injuries. Real Recoveries.


  • $170,000 Settlement Truck Accident

    This truck accident occurred when another truck driver hit a parked trucker who was sleeping in his sleeper cab. The trucker incurred injuries that required extensive pain management and physical therapy.

  • $339,163 Verdict Rear-End Collision

    A 33-year-old man was traveling on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 14, 2010. While stopped in traffic, he was rear-ended by the defendant. It was a moderate impact, and his vehicle sustained a significant amount of bumper damage.

  • $265,000 Bad Faith Insurance Claim

    A husband, wife, and their minor child suffered injuries at the hands of an insurance company that acted in bad faith. The injured family pursued a bad faith claim against the insurance company that handled their claim improperly from the beginning.

  • $339,163 Verdict Rear-End Collision

    A radiology technician was traveling on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee and while stopped in traffic he was rear-ended by the Defendant.  It was a moderate impact and his vehicle sustained a significant amount of bumper damage.

  • $485,000 Settlement Failure to Yield

    This Plaintiff was injured when the Defendant entered her lane of travel and failed to yield the right-of-way. Liability was a swearing contest because the Defendant alleged that the Plaintiff entered his lane of traffic and there were no independent witnesses to this collision

  • $193,500 Verdict Soft-Tissue Injuries

    Our Nashville car accident attorney gained a jury verdict for a soft tissue injury sustained in a car accident. This case included close to $20,000.00 in medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and lost wages.

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  • "Stanley Davis is an excellent attorney."
    Attorney Davis came through for me at a very difficult time in my life. I am truly grateful for him and his staff and would highly recommend his services. Even when my case was settled, the professional and friendly relationship didn’t end.
    Madelene G.
  • "I highly recommend and would not trust anyone else!"
    I recommend anyone to this firm as they treat you like a human being and not a number. I was clueless about the law in these situations... They took care of me more than I even imagined.
    Christina R.
  • "Highly Recommend"
    Mr Davis helped me on my case. He and his staff were very friendly and professional. I would definitely recommend Davis Law Firm to work your personal injury case for you!
    Nashwa N.
  • "I highly recommend this company."
    Stan and his team were great! When I had my accident I got caught up with solicitors, they did a great job getting me out. Stan handled my case with care and got me the max with my settlement.
    Breasia S.
  • "The Absolute Best Attorney in Nashville"
    Stan and his team have a "never give up" attitude and always put your best interest above their bottom line. This isn't your typical law firm. They're just good, honest people fighting to make sure you get what you deserve from your case.
    Geoff H.
  • "Stan Davis and his staff are beyond amazing!"
    The time and effort they put into my case blew my mind. Any questions, concerns, reservations, or fears I had they laid them to rest as well as provided me with reassurance.
    Nikki R.
  • "Look no further, Stanley A Davis and his team are here for YOU!"
    Stan and his team treated me like family. The communication, respect, and care for their clients here are incomparable.  I wasn’t just a number here. I was their client, their friend. They are top-notch.
    Zoraida P.
  • "The firm offers a phenomenal experience and staff."
    Circumstances regarding personal injury are unpleasant and uncomfortable. Contacting the firm granted expertise and reassurance. If I ever had to use a personal injury lawyer again, I would call the Law Office of Stan Davis.
    Jolene D.