Accidents Caused by Defective Vehicles

Not all auto accidents are the result of driver error. Cars have hundreds of moving parts and electronic controls. It’s not uncommon for something to fail, and sometimes parts fail with catastrophic results.

Each year in the U.S., millions of cars are recalled due to manufacturing defects. Unfortunately, not every recalled vehicle finds its way back to the dealer to have the matter corrected. Even worse, auto manufacturers don’t issue recalls until a significant number of people are injured.

Vehicle and parts manufacturers aren’t always to blame for defects, though. Improper vehicle repairs can cause a system or part to fail and lead to a crash. Poorly maintained automobiles can be a hazard not just to those who drive them, but to others on the road as well.

Common defects that can lead to a crash include:

• Electrical system defects
• Airbags that deploy when they shouldn’t
• Airbags that don’t deploy when they should
• Faulty brakes
• Power steering failure
• Sudden unintended acceleration
• Tire failure or improper tread

Some defects may not lead to a crash, instead causing or worsening during a crash. These circumstances include:

• Seatbelt failure
• Seat failure, such as seat backs that collapse during impact
• Airbag malfunction
• Roof collapse in a rollover

Manufacturing Defects that Lead to Accidents

Every vehicle on the road is made up of hundreds of parts. The auto manufacturers obtain many of these parts from other manufacturers and suppliers. If they discover malfunctioning parts, it can take some time for a manufacturer to investigate the problem and issue a recall, usually leading to preventable accidents and injuries in the meantime.

It can also be unclear whether the supplier or the auto manufacturer is at fault. That means it’s often difficult to identify the negligent party in a lawsuit. An attorney with experience in defective vehicle injury cases is your best resource to determine how a manufacturing defect led to your injuries.

Faulty Repair Work and Car Crashes

It can be particularly tragic when improper repairs lead to an injury crash. Usually in these cases, the car’s owner was being responsible and intended to keep the vehicle in good repair. Often, the faulty repair job isn’t discovered until it’s too late.

A mechanic who uses substandard parts or incorrect procedures when repairing your car is taking chances with your life and the lives of others.

Defective Rental and Commercial Vehicles

When you drive a rental car, you are entitled to a reasonable expectation that the car has been properly maintained and is safe to drive. If you drive a commercially owned or company vehicle, it is up to the vehicle owner to keep it in good repair or provide you with specific maintenance procedures. If you’re injured in a defective car owned by somebody else, the vehicle’s owner may be required to compensate you for your injuries.

When Your Own Vehicle is Defective

If your car has a defective part, you probably will not know about it until the part fails. These types of accidents are certainly not your fault, but you may need an attorney to help you figure out what went wrong… and what you can do about it.

An Ordinary Traffic Accident or Product Liability?

If another driver was behind the wheel of a defective car, you may have a traffic accident claim against the other driver as well as a product liability claim. Defective vehicle accidents are particularly complex. Often, there are multiple manufacturers and insurance companies involved.

Receiving Compensation After an Accident Due to a Defective Car

The aftermath of a defective auto crash can be incredibly frustrating. You may be injured, in pain, unable to work and facing an uncertain future. Your lawyer can help you determine whose negligence led to your injuries. Working with an experienced injury attorney can be crucial in identifying all potential defendants and maximizing any settlements to which you may be entitled.

Following the automotive distribution chain, any of the following parties may have contributed to the defect that led to your injuries:

• The auto manufacturer
• An automotive supplier, such as in cases of defective parts on new vehicles
• A car dealership
• A repair facility
• A parts manufacturer, such as in cases of defective replacement parts
• A used car dealer

In some cases, the vehicle owner may be held accountable for your injuries. If the other driver in your crash knew about a vehicle defect that led to your traffic accident, he or she could be compelled to provide compensation for your losses. Likewise, if you are injured while driving a defective rental or company-owned vehicle, the owner may be responsible for compensating you for your expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It’s always best to consult with a lawyer if you have been injured in a car crash. A lawyer can investigate the situation and help determine who was at fault, and he or she can help you get the best possible outcome.

When you’re ready, call 718-448-1600.  However, the longer you wait to get the process started, the harder it usually is to prove a case and get you paid.