Crashworthiness Doctrine

Pronunciation: KRASH-wur-thee-ness DOK-trin

Torts › Products Liability

Definition

Manufacturer's duty to design vehicles to be reasonably safe in foreseeable crashes, minimizing injuries in second collision. Liable for enhanced injuries caused by defective design even if manufacturer didn't cause the crash. Apportionment of damages between crash injuries and enhanced injuries from defect. Design must account for foreseeable accidents.

Related terms

• Design Defect — Product designed in a way that makes it unreasonably dangerous even when manufactured as intended. Two tests: consumer…
• Proximate Cause — A limitation on liability requiring that the harm suffered must be within the scope of risk created by…
• Strict Products Liability — Liability without fault for harm caused by defective product. Seller engaged in business of selling such products liable…

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