Farid Yaghoubtil of DTLA Law Group discusses what parents need to know about defective seatbelts, airbags, and car seat compatibility issues
When safety systems fail in vehicles, the consequences can be devastating for families. Farid Yaghoubtil, a personal injury attorney and Founding Partner at the Downtown L.A. Law Group, emphasizes that understanding car manufacturer liability is crucial for every California parent.
“When we buy a new car, we assume it’s safe—that the seatbelts will lock, the airbags will deploy correctly and at appropriate times, and our children’s car seats will fit securely,” says Yaghoubtil. “But when a defect or design flaw compromises those protections, it can have devastating consequences.”
Understanding Car Manufacturer Liability in California
According to Yaghoubtil, California product liability law places a significant legal obligation on car manufacturers. “Under California product liability law, car manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure that their vehicles are reasonably safe,” the personal injury attorney explains.
What makes California’s framework particularly protective of consumers is the concept of strict liability. “If a defect results in injury, or worse, the manufacturer can be held strictly liable, meaning victims don’t have to prove negligence,” Yaghoubtil notes.
Three Requirements for Successful Car Defect Claims
The DTLA Law Group attorney outlines the three elements victims must prove to achieve a successful claim:
- That the vehicle, or one of its parts, was defective when it left the manufacturer
- That the defect made the vehicle unreasonably dangerous
- That the defect was directly responsible for injury or death
Yaghoubtil explains that vehicle defects fall into three categories: design defects (where the overall design is unsafe), manufacturing defects (when an error occurred during production), and warning defects (when the manufacturer failed to warn users about a known danger).
Seatbelt and Airbag Failures: Critical Safety Concerns
“When seatbelts and airbags fail, the results can be catastrophic,” warns Yaghoubtil. He points to several common examples of car manufacturer liability involving these critical safety systems.
Recent Seatbelt Defect Recalls
Recent high-profile recalls demonstrate the scope of the problem. Earlier this year, Hyundai recalled more than 550,000 vehicles due to seatbelt defects that could cause the belt to unlatch during a collision. Similarly, more than 100,000 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs were recalled this year because seatbelts failed to retract properly.
Airbag Malfunctions and Car Manufacturer Liability
Serious airbag-related defects have also triggered manufacturer recalls:
- Toyota recalled a million vehicles in 2023 due to airbags that failed to deploy during collisions
- General Motors recalled certain 2015 and 2016 models over concerns that airbags could deploy at the wrong time
- Jaguar Land Rover issued a recall for airbags that deployed with excessive force
“Sensor or software malfunctions in advanced restraint systems” also pose risks, according to Yaghoubtil. He cites General Motors’ recall of almost 300,000 vehicles in 2021 because warning lights indicating airbag malfunctions weren’t working properly.
The Importance of Recall History in California Car Defect Cases
“In California, these cases often hinge on expert analysis and recall history,” Yaghoubtil explains. “If your vehicle or one of its safety systems is subject to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall, that evidence can strengthen a liability claim should you experience a defect.”
Car Seat Safety and Vehicle Design Defects
Car seat failures are a parent’s worst nightmare. Farid Yaghoubtil points out that many parents don’t realize car seat safety extends beyond the car seat itself.
“Your vehicle’s seat design plays a big role in car seat safety,” Yaghoubtil explains. He identifies several vehicle design issues that can compromise car seat safety:
- LATCH anchors that are improperly placed or too shallow to secure the seat effectively
- Seat contouring that makes proper installation impossible
- Seatback strength issues—if the front seat collapses in a rear-end collision, a child in the back can be seriously injured
- Defective seatbelt locking mechanisms used to secure car seats when LATCH isn’t available
“When these design or manufacturing issues lead to injury, both the car manufacturer and the car seat manufacturer may share liability,” Yaghoubtil notes. This means multiple parties can potentially be held accountable under California product liability law.
Expert Recommendations for California Parents
The personal injury attorney offers practical guidance for parents concerned about car manufacturer liability and vehicle safety:
- Check for recalls regularly, on both your vehicle and car seat using the NHTSA database.
- Register your car seat to ensure that you receive safety notifications.
- Document any equipment failures after a crash.
- Consult a personal injury attorney early. California’s statute of limitations for product liability is generally two years, but prompt investigation is key to preserve evidence.
Protecting California Families from Car Defects
Farid Yaghoubtil’s insights underscore the complexity of car manufacturer liability cases in California. From defective seatbelts and malfunctioning airbags to vehicle designs that compromise car seat safety, manufacturers have extensive responsibilities to ensure their vehicles protect occupants—especially children.
For California families dealing with injuries from car defects, understanding these liability issues and acting promptly can make the difference in securing justice and compensation.
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