The Recent GM Seat Belt Related-Recall and Why Wearing a Seat Belt is So Important

News 4 Jax recently reported that General Motors (GM) is recalling nearly 840,000 vehicles in the U.S. for suspension problems or because the front seat belts can fail. According to government documents, GM is asserting that the seat belt brackets may not have been secured to the seat frame in certain models which means the belts may not properly restrain people in a crash. No crashes or injuries related to this apparent defect have been reported according to GM.

The seat belt recall includes 624,000 vehicles that are:

• 2019 through 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 pickup trucks;
• 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon; and the
• 2020 and 2021 Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500.

For all models, only vehicles with split bench seats – and not pickups with bucket seats – are included in the recall. Beginning in February, GM will be reaching out to vehicle owners to notify them of the defect and give them the opportunity to have their seat belt brackets inspected and correctly assembled at a dealer.

Why is it So Important to Have Seat Belts That Work Properly?  

Seat belts may seem like a small thing, but the reality is that having seat belts that work properly can make all the difference in how serious the outcome is in the event of a crash. Data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in fact indicates that wearing a seat belt can be the determining factor in whether a collision becomes a fatal one. Those statistics indicate, for example, that the simple act of buckling up saved approximately 15,000 lives in 2017 alone, and would have saved in excess of 2,500 more people who lost their lives in collisions had they also been wearing seat belts.

Further, the law here in the Sunshine State clearly indicates that both drivers and passengers are generally legally required to wear a seatbelt. Anyone who chooses not to wear one should be aware that this behavior is against the law which can lead to legal repercussions in addition to potential injuries.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an Accident That Was Caused by Someone Else?

After an accident caused by someone else, the thought of pursuing compensation can seem like an impossible task when you are already dealing with mounting injuries, property damage, and even possibly losing a loved one. The help of the right legal professional can ease your burden and simplify the steps you need to take toward getting the compensation and justice you may be entitled to. As the Jacksonville personal injury attorneys of The Pendas Law Firm, we are passionate advocates who fight aggressively on behalf of the local families we help throughout the state of Florida. We are to help with everything from managing your medical treatment and expenses and car repairs to acting as an important buffer to shield you from the insurance companies. Contact us today to begin with a free consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Ocala, Miami, Orlando and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

news4jax.com/news/local/2020/12/23/gm-recalls-840k-vehicles-for-seat-belt-suspension-problems/