Seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45% and moderate-to-critical injury by 50%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But when a seat belt fails—whether from poor design, late locking or defective webbing—the injuries it causes can be life-threatening.
In 2023, NHTSA reported that nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were unrestrained. But restraint doesn’t guarantee protection. At Lucas Law Firm, we represent individuals who were wearing their seat belts—and still suffered devastating injuries because the seat belt didn’t perform the way it was supposed to.
At Lucas Law Firm, we investigate these cases, prepare them for trial and hold manufacturers accountable when seat belt systems fail. If you were seriously injured while wearing a seat belt, and the injuries don’t match the crash, it’s worth asking whether the restraint system itself is to blame.
Below, we break down what you need to know, including the types of injuries that may point to a defect, how these systems can fail and when to involve a seat belt injury lawyer who specializes in auto defects.
Seat Belt Injury After a Crash? It May Point to a Defect
Some soreness or bruising is expected after a crash—even with a properly functioning restraint. But injuries that go beyond mild bruising may suggest a more serious issue with the restraint system.
Common seat belt injuries include:
- Spinal cord injury and brain injury (LINK)
- Severe abdominal injuries, including internal bleeding and organ damage
- Seat belt injury to the lower abdomen, especially in front-seat passengers
- Seat belt injury to female breast tissue, often due to improper belt fit
- Chest wall trauma and rib fractures
- Seat belt injury chest pain and soft tissue damage
- Abrasions or burns from rapid webbing movement
In rollover crashes, side impacts or high-speed front collisions, poorly functioning restraints can contribute to ejection, blunt force trauma or head and spinal cord injuries.
What Causes Seat Belt Injuries?
Modern seat belts are required to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 209 and 210. These rules govern everything from webbing strength to buckle integrity and anchor placement.
When manufacturers cut corners—or when the design doesn’t fit all body types—seat belts can cause harm instead of preventing it.
Known seat belt defect types include:
- Lap belt only design – common in older vehicles, lack of a shoulder strap directs excessive force to the abdomen, causing occupant to jackknife over the belt, often resulting in paralysis or head injury
- False latching – the buckle clicks but doesn’t lock
- Retractor failure – the belt doesn’t tighten or locks too late
- Webbing failure – the belt stretches or tears on impact
- Improper belt geometry – often affecting women and smaller adults, causing the belt to sit too high or low
- Mounting failures – anchors detach or don’t distribute force correctly
- Unintentional pre-tensioner deployment – often under investigation in recent recalls
In these situations, victims may suffer car accident seat belt injuries that should never have happened—even when they followed all safety precautions.
Recent Recalls and Seat Belt Defect Investigations
Seat belt defects are not rare—and major manufacturers have faced scrutiny in recent years:
- Ford Recall (2025): 240,000 Explorer and Aviator SUVs recalled for seat belt anchors that could detach in a crash.
- NHTSA Investigation (2024): Over 110,000 Ford SUVs investigated for unintended pretensioner deployment.
- Toyota Recall (2023): Thousands of Highlander and RAV4 vehicles recalled for rear seat belt webbing that could separate.
These cases reveal a troubling pattern: seat belts failing to meet minimum standards—or failing under normal crash conditions.
Federal Safety Standards: FMVSS 209 and 210
Seat belt defect claims often center on whether the restraint system complied with FMVSS 209 (seat belt assembly requirements) and FMVSS 210 (seat belt anchor requirements).
Even if a belt complies on paper, it may still fail when tested under real-world crash conditions. When that happens, injured occupants may have a valid claim against the vehicle or component manufacturer.
These are product liability cases, not routine injury claims—and they require early evidence preservation and expert analysis.
Real-World Seat Belt Injury Claims
- A female driver suffers a seat belt injury to the breast, requiring surgery. The belt path was too high and not adjustable for her frame.
- A rear-seat passenger suffers lower abdominal trauma after a lap belt cut across her abdomen. A three-point belt wasn’t provided.
- A crash survivor has seat belt injury chest pain and internal bleeding due to a failed retractor that delayed locking.
In each case, the seat belt contributed to the injury—not the impact alone.
When to Contact a Seat Belt Injury Lawyer
If you were wearing a seat belt and still suffered severe injury—or if the injury doesn’t align with the crash—you may be dealing with a seat belt defect.
You should contact a seat belt injury lawyer if:
- The seat belt was a lap belt only with no shoulder strap
- The belt failed to lock or tighten
- The belt tore or detached
- You experienced severe chest, breast, or abdominal trauma
- The belt fit poorly despite proper use
- You suspect the seat belt caused or worsened your injuries
- You need help preserving the vehicle and restraint system as evidence
Lucas Law Firm investigates these cases with experts in engineering, crash dynamics and biomechanics. We don’t just take car accident cases—we take auto defect cases where safety systems failed.
Talk to a Kansas City Seat Belt Injury Lawyer
When seat belts fail, the consequences are devastating—and the legal path is complex. Lucas Law Firm is the firm other attorneys trust to handle auto defect cases that require serious investigation and trial preparation.
Contact us today to speak with a Kansas City seat belt injury lawyer who knows how to uncover the truth—and pursue the justice you deserve.
FAQ: Seat Belt Injury and Defect Litigation
What is a seat belt injury?
A seat belt injury is harm caused by the seat belt during a crash, including bruising, chest trauma, internal bleeding or organ damage.
Can a seat belt cause breast or abdominal injury?
Yes—especially in smaller-framed individuals or women, when the belt rides too high or isn’t properly positioned.
What causes seat belt injuries in a car accident?
They can result from late locking, false latching, webbing failure or improper belt design—all of which may point to a defect.
Can I sue for a seat belt injury from a car accident?
Yes—if the seat belt failed to perform as required under federal safety standards or crash conditions, you may have a product liability claim.