When Can Car Manufacturers Be Held Accountable?

Most car accidents are caused by driver error, poor road conditions, or unpredictable weather, but sometimes, the vehicle itself is to blame. In these situations, the car’s manufacturer may be held accountable for injuries and damages. If a vehicle defect contributed to a Florida accident you were involved in, talk to a  personal injury lawyer about how product liability works and when to pursue legal action.

What Are Common Types of Vehicle Defects?

Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of a manufacturer or seller for producing or distributing a faulty product. In the context of a car accident, this means that if a defective vehicle part causes or worsens a crash, the manufacturer of that part may be legally liable. These cases fall under a special area of personal injury law.

It’s important to recognize that not all defects are immediately visible. Many vehicle problems are hidden beneath the surface, only becoming obvious when something goes wrong. Some examples of car defects that have led to lawsuits:

• Brake failure. If a car’s braking system is faulty, the driver may be unable to slow or stop in time, leading to a collision.
• Airbag malfunctions. Airbags that fail to deploy (or deploy too aggressively) can cause injuries.
• Steering system defects. Losing control of the wheel while driving can result in catastrophic crashes.
• Tire blowouts. Poorly manufactured or recalled tires can cause vehicles to skid, roll over, or crash.
• Electrical system failures. These can lead to fires, power loss, or even total shutdown of critical driving functions.

Even advanced technology, such as automatic emergency braking or lane-assist systems, can malfunction. If these systems do not work as advertised, the manufacturer may be liable.

When Is a Manufacturer Legally Responsible?

To hold a manufacturer accountable, you must prove the defect existed when the vehicle left the factory and that it directly caused your injuries. The three main types of product liability claims are design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn. Essentially, a design defect is when a product was flawed from the start and a manufacturing defect is when a product was designed correctly but built incorrectly.

Should a manufacturer not properly inform consumers about known risks, a failure to warn claim could be pursued. So, if your airbag didn’t deploy in a crash and you suffered head trauma, a lawyer can investigate whether the airbag system had a known defect or recall. If so, the manufacturer may be liable for your injuries and related damages.

Taking on a major car company or parts supplier isn’t easy. These corporations have legal teams and resources that can overwhelm the average consumer. That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced  personal injury lawyer who can investigate the cause of the crash, work with auto safety experts, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

Can you access funds from an auto company following a Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach accident? If you suspect a car defect caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez today. Call 561-660-9421