Every time someone gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, he or she runs the risk injury in some type of accident. What many drivers don’t expect is a defective auto part causing the crash. When accidents happen because of defective or dangerous products, the manufacturer or distributor is often liable for subsequent injuries or even wrongful death. The San Diego injury attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help those injured in these types of crashes, as well as the family members of those killed.
Common Types of Defective Auto Parts
While any component in your vehicle could potentially fail and cause an accident, certain auto parts have a track record of causing serious crashes. Some of the most frequently reported defective auto parts include:
- Steering Systems: When the mechanisms that control your vehicle’s steering fail, you lose the ability to safely maneuver your car. A steering defect can leave you unable to avoid obstacles or navigate turns.
- Airbags: You trust your airbags to protect you during a collision. When they fail to deploy properly—or worse, deploy unexpectedly—you are left vulnerable to severe injuries.
- Seats and Seatbelts: Your seat should remain locked in position during a crash, and your seatbelt should restrain you effectively. Defects in these systems can allow you to be thrown from your seat or ejected from the vehicle entirely.
- Fuel Systems: A compromised fuel system can leak gasoline, creating a catastrophic fire hazard if you are involved in a collision. The resulting burns and injuries from fuel fires can be life-altering.
- Tires: A sudden tire blowout is a frightening experience. You might hear a loud bang, feel the vehicle pull sharply to one side, or lose control completely. Defective tires can cause you to veer into traffic or off the road.
- Windshield Wipers: Faulty wipers can leave you driving blind during rain or snow. When you can’t see other vehicles or road hazards clearly, the risk of a collision increases dramatically.
Liability Laws for Defective Auto Parts
California is a strict liability state when it comes to defective product claims. This means that if the auto part in question has a manufacturing defect, design flaw, or marketing error that causes harm, injured parties can hold the company strictly liable – without having to prove negligence. If strict liability laws do not apply, injured consumers may still be able to sue on the grounds of negligence or breach of warranty. Federal and state laws protect consumers who suffer injuries or the death of loved ones due to manufacturing defects.
Examples of dangerous auto part defects include tires that are prone to blowouts, ignition switches that spark, and roll bars that crumple under pressure. Any problem with an auto part that makes the item unreasonably dangerous for drivers could be a defect. Product liability claims involving defective vehicles or car parts require identification of all potential defendants. This could include any and all participants in the chain of motor vehicle or part distribution – the car manufacturer, part manufacturer, vehicle dealership, supply shop, or the shipper/distributor.
When a manufacturer discovers an auto part defect, it has a responsibility to recall the item. If the manufacturer doesn’t recall the item on its own, a federal administration may issue the recall instead. For a real-time list of current vehicle part recalls, visit the recall site for the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration. Here, you’ll find a list of all current recalls, as well as a feature that allows you to search your vehicle’s VIN number to find out if there are any part recalls you should know about. If you believe a defective part caused or contributed to your recent accident and injuries, contact our legal team right away.
How do I Prove a Defective Auto Part Claim?
After an injurious car accident, police and insurance companies will investigate to determine the probable cause of the crash. If it is determined that a defective auto part might have contributed, it’s time to talk to a products liability lawyer in San Diego. As an injured party, you have the right to seek compensation through a civil claim against the responsible party or parties. You will need to prove three things in a defective auto part lawsuit:
1. You have physical injuries or other losses, such as lost wages or property damage.
2. The vehicle had a defect of some kind.
3. The defect caused your injuries.
Again, a plaintiff escapes the burden of proving negligence if strict product liability laws apply. This is good news for injured consumers, as it typically makes it easier to secure compensation. Defective auto part claims often take the form of class action lawsuits, where multiple plaintiffs with the same or similar claims band together.
Evidence Used in Defective Auto Part Claims
To win your defective auto part claim, you will need solid evidence that demonstrates the connection between the faulty component and your injuries. The type and quality of evidence can make or break your claim.
Key evidence in these cases typically includes:
- Documentation of the Accident: Photographs and videos from the crash site can show vehicle damage patterns, road conditions, and the position of vehicles. Police reports provide official documentation of the circumstances surrounding your San Diego car accident claim.
- The Defective Part: Preserving the actual component that failed is very important. This physical evidence allows experts to examine the defect firsthand and determine what went wrong.
- Vehicle Maintenance Records: Your service history demonstrates that you properly maintained your vehicle, which helps establish that the defect, not neglect, caused the failure.
- Expert Testimony: Mechanical engineers and automotive experts can analyze the defective part, explain how it failed, and testify that the defect caused your accident. Their professional opinions carry significant weight in court.
- Medical Records: These important documents link your injuries directly to the accident, establishing the harm you suffered as a result of the defective part.
- Recall Notices and Manufacturer Communications: If the manufacturer issued a recall for the defective part, either before or after your accident, you can leverage this documentation to strengthen your case.
- Reports of Similar Incidents: Evidence that the same defect caused accidents for other drivers can help establish a pattern of danger. In some cases, this evidence can even help initiate class action lawsuits.
Your attorney from Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help you gather and preserve this evidence. We work closely with investigators and experts who specialize in automotive defects to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Our San Diego Auto Part Recall Attorneys will Fight for You!
Estey & Bomberger, LLP want to talk with you about your recent accident and explore the possibility of a lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and you won’t pay us a cent until you win your settlement. Contact us today! (619) 295-0035