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Defective Door Latches
Imagine driving your car down an interstate and suddenly your driver’s side door swings open, leaving you vulnerable and exposed to the road. While this may sound like a scene from a horror film, it is a reality for drivers that own vehicles containing defective door latches.
John T. Flood is an attorney in Texas who focuses on faulty door latch cases.  Call us today at (361) 654-8877 to get compensation for your injury caused by a defective door latch.

It might sound comical to discuss the intention of a door latch. While it sounds simple, door latches are crucial structural features for motor vehicles. Door latches are intended to safely and securely fasten a door to its vehicle so the occupants are not exposed to outside elements. When working properly, door latches keep drivers and passengers safe through locking systems and child safety features. When these systems fail, with or without an accident, drivers and passengers are put in serious, imminent danger.

Failing to Keep Passengers Safe

Defective door latches can inflict serious injury and death to drivers and passengers in several scenarios. Door latches that fail to keep a door secure and shut while moving can lead to passengers being ejected from vehicles through open doors. Defective door latches can fail with or without the impact of a car accident. While door latch defect dangers include being thrown from a moving vehicle, they can also prevent an individual from escaping a vehicle in the event of an accident. In a matter of seconds, a defective door lock or latch can prevent vehicle occupants from escaping a vehicle after a car crash where the vehicle may catch fire, explode, or put the individual at increased danger as a result of the accident.

Common problems associated with defective auto door latches include:

  • Faulty lock or latch system preventing the door from remaining securely shut. Lock failures can prevent a door from opening as well as closing.
  • Door handle malfunctions can prevent a passenger from controlling the door such as opening or closing.
  • Defective remote rods that connect the latching system to the door handle prohibit the passenger from controlling the structure.
  • Faulty door latching systems could allow the vehicle’s doors to open unexpectedly or not properly close without warning.

These issues carry severe consequences with the potential for catastrophic and life altering injuries. Drivers and passengers expect vehicles to be equipped with regulated safety features that will keep them safe. When automakers fail to address defects and continue to produce products with the potential to inflict serious injury or death to consumers, they are breaking federal law.

Federal law requires automakers to properly test all materials and products before releasing them to consumers. Automotive manufacturer negligence leads to senseless deaths and serious injuries every year that could have been prevented if proper safety guidelines were implemented and followed.

Texas Auto Defects Lawyer

It is a frightening thought that the very systems designed to secure vehicle occupants could one day act against them. Victims of defective auto products injuries should take solace in knowing they are not alone and have advocates like John Flood who will aggressively fight for their rights and safety.

Were you injured by a defective door latch? Call Texas attorney John Flood at (361) 654-8877 today for a free initial case evaluation. 


Frequently Asked Questions About Defective Door Latches

How do I know if my door latch is defective?

If your car door opens by itself for no reason, you have a defective door latch. Even without an impact or someone pulling the door latch release, the door may swing open as you are driving down the road. Door latch recalls have included the 2005 Ford Five Hundred, the 2005 Mercury Montego, and the 2005-2006 Ford Freestyle, among other vehicles.

What are the different types of car door defects?

  • Faulty locks or latches preventing the door from staying firmly shut.
  • Door handles that malfunction such that the passenger cannot open or close the door.
  • Defective remote rods that prevent the passenger from controlling the door.
  • Faulty door latches that allow the door to swing open unexpectedly.

What are the causes of defective car door latches?

A defective car door latch may simply be poorly designed in a way that prevents it from latching properly. It may break easily or freeze as well. The door latches may also not have been properly installed during the vehicle’s manufacture and assembly.

What types of injuries result from defective door latches?

  • Head injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Road rash (severe abrasions)
  • Broken bones
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries (may lead to paralysis)
  • Lacerations

These and other serious injuries can occur. If a door swings open while the vehicle is moving, someone could fall out and sustain severe or fatal injuries.

Who is liable for a defective door latch injury?

Usually, the manufacturer of the vehicle is liable for injuries sustained by the consumer as a result of a defective door latch. In some cases, if the door latch was incorrectly repaired, the technician or shop where the latch was repaired could also be liable.

How much is a defective door latch case worth?

It is impossible to know how much your claims may be worth until you speak with a lawyer. The value of potential claims can vary based on the severity of the accident and the injuries sustained. John Flood Trial Lawyers can give you an estimate after listening to the facts of your situation.

What should I do if I was injured by a defective car door latch?

Call John Flood Trial Lawyers as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner you file a lawsuit the better to ensure you are within the statute of limitations for filing a claim, and so that the memory of the incident is fresh in your mind.

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