Improper windshield installations may increase car crash injuries
For many drivers, safety features are an important factor in choosing a car, and for good reason: many of us will be in an auto accident in our lifetimes. Airbags, crash test reports and other safety information have become commonplace in automotive marketing. However, California’s drivers may now have another safety concern: car windshields.
According to an industry expert, between 70 to 85 percent of all car windshields may have been installed improperly. California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair reported a range of installation defects, including windshields with too much or not enough glue, some that were set improperly, and others that could “pop out with ease.”
If you find yourself in a car accident, your injuries may have been increased by a windshield that was not installed properly. In such a case, you would benefit from the assistance of an attorney experienced with complicated cases, who can advise you about all of your available options and help you obtain the recovery you deserve.
There may also be steps you can take now. Generally speaking, a consumer can expect that his or her reasonable use of a product will not cause injuries. That expectation includes the product’s design, its manufacturing and production, and any marketing and advertising (including a failure to warn about potential hazards associated with the use of the product).
Windshields may be safe in their design. However, even the best designed product may fail if there was negligence involved in its installation. If you suspect a defect in your windshield installation, an attorney can guide you through the process of determining which entity is liable for the cost of fixing that problem.
Source: CBS Local, “How Safe is Your Car Windshield?” May 13, 2012