Defective Vehicles Car Accident Lawyer

Today’s cars are safer than ever. Common features, including lane departure warnings, airbags, adjustable seatbelts, and automatic headlights greatly reduce the rate of car accidents. However, faulty components can lead to a false sense of security and contribute to accidents and injuries.

Vehicle defects can be minor, such as loose trim, or deadly, such as seatbelts that come loose. Potentially dangerous issues range from problems with tires to airbag deployment devices breaking. When these problems are identified, they may lead to a recall.
 

Has Your Car Been Recalled?

 
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration issues recalls for many known types of car defects. It is important for vehicle owners to be aware of any recalls that affect their cars. You can do this by checking the NHTSA recall database.
 

Many recalled components pose safety concerns. They could contribute to an accident occurring or fail to operate as expected during a crash, resulting in severe injuries or death. Some examples of components that the NHTSA recalls include:

• Defects in seat material, including sharp pieces that could injure a passenger
• Problems with seatbelts or seatbelt connections that cause failure in an accident
• Faulty brake systems, such as brakes that fail to operate causing a crash
• Fuel leaks that could lead to explosions or fires
• Problems with wiring or electrical systems that cause shorts and possible fires
• Steering component malfunction that causes a vehicle to become uncontrollable
• Defective tires or wheels
• Structural failure resulting in roof collapse during a rollover crash
• Faulty airbags or airbag deployment devices that result in an airbag deploying incorrectly or not at all during a crash

Injuries from a faulty car can cause various injuries ranging from minor to serious. They can also lead to the death of drivers and passengers. While it depends on the faulty component, some common car accident injuries include:

• Concussions
• Head and neck injuries from improper airbag deployment
• Ejection from a vehicle due to seatbelt failure
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Burns from vehicle fires

Estimates place the number of car crashes caused by a vehicle defect at about 2% of the total reported accidents. Additionally, the National Safety Council reported 5.4 million injuries and nearly 47,000 deaths attributable to car accidents in 2021. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that thousands of deaths and injuries are caused by defective automotive parts each year.
 

Potential Consequences From Defective Vehicles

Personal Injuries

Injuries are common with any car accident; however, when a safety feature fails to work and impacts a vehicle’s crashworthiness, injuries can be more severe. Some examples are being thrown from a vehicle because of improper airbag deployment or seatbelt failure or suffering burns and hazardous chemical inhalation due to an electrical fire or leaking fuel.

Even minor injuries can result in significant financial impact that extends beyond current medical bills. For example, you may need future care for injuries that get worse over time. Missed work or being unable to continue working in your current profession because of an injury can also significantly reduce your lifetime income potential. Additionally, there is a cost associated with the loss of enjoyment you experience because an injury leaves you unable to pursue hobbies.

Wrongful Death

Sadly, the vehicle accident death rate remains stubbornly high, with the NSC placing it at 8.5% despite robust safety features in most modern cars. If a safety feature fails that reduces a vehicle’s crashworthiness, death may be more likely than if everything worked correctly.

When a defect contributes to a motor vehicle death, the family members and friends left behind must pick up the pieces after their loss. This can be particularly difficult when no one is held accountable for the damages incurred. A wrongful death suit can help bring closure and reduce the financial strain caused by the untimely death of a loved one due to a defective vehicle.

Property Damage

Like any other car accident, one caused by defective parts can lead to property damage. This may be to the vehicles involved or to other property. It may also extend to nearby property that is struck during the crash. The cost of repairs can easily move beyond insurance coverage, leaving drivers on the hook for repairs. However, if a defective car is responsible, the auto manufacturer may be liable for related costs.

A knowledgeable accident attorney will help you navigate the potential consequences of an accident caused or made worse by defective components. This includes recovering compensation so you can recover from injuries. Additionally, while no amount of money can make up for a loved one, holding a manufacturer accountable for their failure can help bring closure and facilitate the grieving process.

Determine Causation

Because faulty parts can lead to more severe injuries than otherwise would occur, it is important to establish that a defective vehicle caused or contributed to the injury. Proper documentation from medical appointments is only part of that process.

Our attorneys work with clients to uncover whether a design flaw or defective vehicle part contributed to an accident or its severity. This may include investigating the accident, researching other accidents with similar vehicles and circumstances, and reviewing manufacturer recalls and service bulletins for known related issues. Once we establish causation, we can then begin the process of seeking compensation from auto manufacturers and other applicable parties.

Establish Appropriate Compensation Levels

Putting a dollar figure on medical bills you have already incurred may be simple, but establishing what type of care will be needed in the future is much harder. However, this is something that must be considered when seeking compensation after a defective vehicle accident.
Compensation after a car accident varies widely, and often includes damages related to:

• Costs of doctor bills and rehabilitation services (both current and anticipated future)
• Loss of life (wrongful death)
• Emotional trauma or pain and suffering
• Lost wages (current and future)
• Damages to personal property

Our accident attorneys have experience in establishing the monetary value of the care and services needed to recover after a car accident. During your free case evaluation, we will review the facts of your accident, including any injuries or damages incurred, to determine if a car or part manufacturer may be liable for the associated costs.

Hold Automakers Accountable

Auto manufacturers have an obligation to build cars that meet all current safety standards. This includes features such as seat belts, airbags, and a certain level of structural integrity of a car’s frame and passenger compartment. These contribute to a car’s crashworthiness. Additionally, any extra safety features must work as designed and advertised.

When features fail to operate as designed or expected, it reduces a car’s crashworthiness. This can significantly increase the risk of injury or death in a crash. If a faulty component is discovered after an accident, the manufacturer can be held responsible for the resulting injuries.

Our experienced accident attorneys can help identify possible defects that contributed to injuries or resulted in the death of a loved one. We will work tirelessly to ensure the automaker or component manufacturer is held accountable for the part’s failure and secure compensation for injuries or wrongful death.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Your auto insurance will likely pay for initial medical bills and repairs, providing you have adequate coverage. What many people do not realize, and insurance companies rarely tell you, is that you have a great deal of flexibility in where you seek auto repairs or medical attention. This can leave you vulnerable to manipulation, especially if you are dealing with another driver’s insurance company.

Accident attorneys act on your behalf during negotiations with insurance companies. This can include every step, from filing initial claims to negotiating a settlement. It also goes far beyond your auto insurance provider. For example, if a vehicle defect caused an accident or exacerbated injuries, then you will likely be dealing with that manufacturer’s insurance company.

You should not have to face them alone. Insurance companies and carmakers have teams of attorneys on their sides to pursue their best interests. Hiring an accident attorney grants you the same thing, so you move to a level playing field in negotiations.