Following a collision, you may assume another motorist’s negligence was the cause of the crash. However, some car accidents arise as a result of defective automotive parts. When this happens, you may pursue legal action against the vehicle manufacturer for damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a defect, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Prince George’s County Product Liability Lawyer who can help you fight for the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Please continue reading to learn when you can hold a car manufacturer liable for an accident.
What Are Common Vehicle Defects?
Manufacturers of automotive parts must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations issued by the Nationa Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, millions of auto parts are recalled for failure to meet those standards. You have likely received a recall notice at some point in your life. Perhaps something in your vehicle doesn’t work correctly, or a part wasn’t installed properly. If the manufacturer learns about a defect they may issue a recall, offering you the opportunity to remedy the issue usually at no cost. If a defect is not discovered, it can contribute to the cause of an accident. Some of the more common defects you may experience with your vehicle include the following:
- Defective airbags
- Defective seatbelts
- Defective steering system
- Defective tires
- Electrical system problems
- Faulty brakes
- Malfunctioning fuel system
It’s important to note that a defective automotive part can significantly worsen a collision by causing further damage. This includes increasing the severity of injuries sustained or even triggering secondary issues like fires, making the consequences of a crash much worse than they would have been if the vehicle was functioning properly.
Can I Hold a Car Manufacturer Liable for an Accident Caused By a Defect?
If you are involved in an accident caused by a defect in your vehicle, the car manufacturer can face liability for the damages you have endured. This is because it’s their responsibility to ensure the vehicles they produce are safe to enter the market. When they fail to uphold this obligation, injured parties are entitled to pursue a product liability claim to recover damages.
As you can see, defective vehicle claims are often complex. If you were injured in a car accident and believe an automotive part defect caused or contributed to your injuries, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined lawyer from Timian & Fawcett, LLC, who can help you navigate this complex process and fight for a fair recovery. Connect with our firm today to discuss your case.
