Who Is Liable in an Auto Defect Accident Case?
Automobile accidents happen every day in California. While the majority of vehicle collisions are caused by human errors such as driver mistakes, a percentage of them are traced back to dangerous and defective automotive parts. If an accident or injury is caused by an auto defect, it can lead to a product liability claim filed by the victim.
Common Examples of Dangerous Auto Defects
A motor vehicle consists of thousands of parts, all of which must work together properly to facilitate safe and effective vehicle movement. If just one vehicle part fails, it can result in a loss of vehicle control and a subsequent car accident.
Our lawyers for car accident claims in Los Angeles have handled some of the most dangerous vehicle defects which include:
- Tire defects (leading to blowouts)
- Steering column failures
- Electrical malfunctions
- Faulty starters
- Engine failures
- Seat belt failures
- Malfunctioning airbags
- Seatback failures
- Roof crush (structural issues)
Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announces vehicle recalls due to part defects and equipment failures. Some recalls affect hundreds of thousands of motor vehicles. While some defects are minor, others cause disastrous collisions, serious injuries and deaths.
Identifying the Liable Party in an Auto Defect Case
If an investigation finds that one or more car parts were defective and this contributed to the crash or to the victim’s injuries, the victim may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against one or more responsible parties.
The Part Manufacturer
Auto part manufacturers are responsible for creating and distributing products that are reasonably safe for consumer use. They have a duty to properly safety-test their car parts and adhere to various federal laws in terms of performance standards.
If a manufacturing company releases a defective car part, it can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by the part. Strict liability means there is no need for the victim to prove manufacturer negligence – the company can be held accountable if the product has a defect and caused the accident.
A Distributer
An auto part distributor could also be held liable if it played a role in releasing a dangerous part to the public. This includes a retailer, dealership or distribution center. If a distributor knowingly sells a vehicle with defects or fails to inform the buyer of potential risks, they can be named as a defendant in a related injury claim.
An Auto Shop
If an accident investigation traces the defective part back to faulty installation or low-quality repairs, the mechanic or auto shop could be to blame. Auto mechanics must be properly qualified and licensed to work on cars. They must abide by certain standards when performing their job duties. The failure to meet these duties of care can make them liable for related part breakdowns.
The Importance of Contacting an Auto Defect Attorney for Help
The legal framework surrounding auto part defect cases in California is complex and can be difficult for the average consumer to navigate – especially when also dealing with serious injuries. You may have to go up against large and powerful manufacturing corporations and their legal teams. The best way to protect your rights and best interests is by hiring a motor vehicle defects lawyer in Los Angeles to represent you. The right attorney can carefully investigate your accident to determine fault and name the liable party or parties. Then, your lawyer can gather evidence to support your claim and seek maximum financial compensation on your behalf.