Can a Defective Vehicle Cause a Crash?

Thousands of people are injured each year in car accidents in New York. No two accidents are alike, but many are caused by driver error. In some cases, however, the cause of the crash can be traced to some defect in a vehicle. When that’s the case, who could be liable for damages?

Manufacturer Liability

In some instances, a defect in vehicle design may create a safety issue with the final product. If the problem is widespread, the manufacturer may recall the affected models to repair the issue. In other cases, the plant may produce a run of vehicles that contain some defect, even though the design was sound.

If defective manufacturing creates a problem that causes a crash, the auto manufacturer may be liable for damages. Such problems can include malfunctioning lights, brakes or steering controls.

Repair Facility Liability

When you take a vehicle in for repair, you expect the facility to ensure that your car is in perfect working order when they return it to you. If the repair shop is aware of any malfunction which they don’t (or can’t) repair and they don’t make the vehicle’s owner aware of the problem, the facility may be liable if the vehicle’s defect causes an accident.

Owner Liability

It’s the responsibility of a vehicle’s owner to properly maintain it. Owners need to stay current on basic auto maintenance such as repairing worn tires, replacing lights and keeping the windows clean. Anyone driving a vehicle which he or she knows, or should reasonably know, is unsafe is negligence. If such negligence causes someone to be injured, the vehicle owner could be liable for damages.

Have you or someone you know been injured in a crash caused by a defective vehicle? You may be able to collect compensation for your injuries. Not sure if you have a case? Tell us your story, and let one of our experienced attorneys review your case at no charge.