Despite the different functions performed by auto glass; windshields, windows and other glass have protective qualities that can prevent vehicle ejection and even reinforce the roof of a vehicle during rollover accidents. But while auto glass serves an important purpose when it comes to safety, using defective or inadequate products can actually cause harm and become a dangerous element of an accident. Vehicle ejection can occur among a variety of accident types, but quality glass can sometimes help prevent ejection in some instances.
New regulations have provoked change in the type of glass used for vehicle windshields, while other windows and glass are sometimes still comprised of tempered glass, the same glass previously used on cars, trucks and SUV’s. Laminated glass, on the other hand, has a layer of plastic that can prevent injuries caused by shattered glass by keeping shards and shattered pieces intact even in the occurrence of an accident. New laws require that windshields are made up of laminated glass to offer greater protection and help prevent ejection through the windshield should glass shatter or break during a crash or collision.
Additionally, recent data highlights the readily available information auto manufacturers have access to, that could potentially increase the safety of vehicle glass in contrast with merely using tempered glass within a vehicle.
Despite data highlighting the increased safety of laminated glass in contrast with tempered glass, some manufacturers continue to use less effective products in an effort to keep manufacturing and production costs down. Although laminated glass usually remains intact, even when shattered or broken into pieces because of the plastic reinforcement, tempered glass will shatter completely. Shattered glass leaves vehicle occupants vulnerable to car ejection and injuries caused by broken glass, such as laceration and cuts. Despite findings regarding the increased safety of laminated glass, sometimes, more cost efficient tempered glass is still used for moon roofs, windows and other glass regions of a vehicle.
Ejection from a vehicle often produces fatal or debilitating injuries. But despite dangers associated from ejection through windows, deficient glass can also provoke partial ejection of limbs and other body parts, leaving them vulnerable. Partial ejection that occurs, even when seat belts are in use, can sometimes stem from inadequate glass. Vehicle ejection not only occurs through windows that roll up and down, fixed windows made of tempered glass can leave occupants wide open to ejection, should glass become damaged or shattered during an accident.
SUV’s and trucks are at a particular risk of enduring a rollover because of the higher center of gravity that accompanies the vehicles’ design. Because sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are often higher of the ground and display a boxier, taller design, they can easily become overturned when tripped up or involved in an accident.
Although a rollover accident is dangerous in and of itself, due the roof crush caused by poorly designed and manufactured roofs, the type of glass used in the vehicle often says a lot about its safety during a rollover crash. Upon impact during a rollover, the roof of a vehicle can become crushed, relying on the reinforcement of the windows surrounding the roof to protect it from crushing and providing greater integrity to the roof pillars of a car. Glass that shatters may weaken the roof by taking away the extra stability offered. In contrast, laminated glass often remains intact, keeping drivers and passengers within the vehicle as it rolls and preventing some instances of partial ejection.
Despite new findings regarding the methods of keeping drivers and passengers increasingly safe, some auto manufacturers still rely on the cost effectiveness of products as they make design and production decisions rather than embrace what is best for consumers. For mere dollars, vehicle manufacturers have the ability to add elements of safety, protecting vehicle occupants from unnecessary injuries and death caused by defective auto products.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident or rollover crash because of inadequate or defective auto glass, call our defective auto product lawyers in Waco, Temple, Killeen and statewide Texas at 888-335-7492. You can also visit one of our 11 office locations, including Waco, Temple, and Killeen, for a free consultation. Our experienced lawyers, professional medical consultants, investigative team and caring staff will help you uncover answers to some of the questions surrounding your accident or the accident of a loved one while seeking just compensation for your injuries and loss. We care. We can help.