Does the "crashworthiness doctrine" hold manufacturers liable for failure to protect occupants in a car?

The crashworthiness doctrine indeed holds manufacturers liable for failure to adequately protect occupants in a vehicle during a crash. This legal principle is based on the idea that manufacturers have a duty to design vehicles that can withstand crashes and minimize injuries to occupants. Under this doctrine, if it can be shown that a car was defectively designed or engineered in such a way that it failed to protect the occupants from injury during an accident, the manufacturer may be held responsible for any resulting damages.

The doctrine extends beyond merely ensuring the vehicle functions properly; it encompasses the overall safety of the vehicle, including how well it performs in real-world crash scenarios. This makes it a significant area of law affecting automotive manufacturers, as they must continuously assess and improve the safety design features of their cars.

Other perspectives mentioned in the options do not capture the essence of the crashworthiness doctrine. It is not limited to certain states, since it applies across various jurisdictions that recognize this legal principle. Additionally, it is not confined to new models; manufacturers can still be held liable for older models if the safety features are found lacking according to contemporary standards of automobile safety. Overall, the acceptance of the crashworthiness doctrine reflects the growing importance of consumer safety in product liability law.