In most cases, car accidents occur as a direct result of driver error. Common causes include distracted driving, failure to yield the right of way, reckless driving, and speeding, However, some accidents happen due to defective automotive parts. When a critical component of a vehicle malfunctions, it can cause or contribute to a collision. When a negligent driver causes an accident, filing a car accident claim with their insurance is appropriate. If no driver is liable for the accident, it may be possible to hold the car manufacturer accountable. If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident and suspect a faulty automotive part may have contributed to the cause of the accident or injury, it’s in your best interest to contact our determined New York City Product Liability Attorneys who can help you navigate your options and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
What Vehicle Defects Can Lead to Accidents?
If you are like most people, you may simply get behind the wheel and neglect to consider the thousands of moving parts that allow your vehicle to run. However, each component has the potential to fail. When these critical components fail, these issues may be the culprit behind your crash.
Generally, three types of defects can render a manufacturer liable for an accident. First design defects refer to inherent flaws in the vehicle’s design that make it unreasonably dangerous, even if it’s manufactured correctly. Manufacturing defects occur during the production process and can include issues with the assembly of the car or the use of substandard materials. Finally, failure to warn occurs when the manufacturer fails to provide adequate warnings or instructions about potential dangers associated with vehicle use. Unfortunately, each of these defects can contribute to an accident. Malfunctions of these critical components can make a collision worse than it otherwise would have been if the part was functioning properly. Some of the more common vehicle defects include, but are not limited to the following:
- Defective brakes
- Faulty airbags
- Tire defects
- Ignition issues
- Design flaws
- Defective steering
- Faulty wiring
- Inadequate or non-functioning safety features
Can I Hold the Car Manufacturer Liable for Injuries Caused By a Defect?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforces safety standards for car manufacturers. Despite these strict regulations, millions of automotive parts are recalled yearly. In New York, a car manufacturer can be held liable for an accident if you can prove that the accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle. To establish liability, you must show that the defect made the vehicle unreasonably dangerous.
If you have been injured in a car accident and believe it was caused by a vehicle defect, please don’t hesitate to contact a dedicated New York City product liability attorney from Swerling Law, who can help you fight for the justice you deserve. Connect with our firm today to discuss your case.
