If you were injured in an automotive accident, you may have many questions regarding liability for your damages. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that most car accidents are the result of human error. However, your accident may have been the result of a vehicular malfunction. In this circumstance, you may have a case for compensation against the maker of the defective car.
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we understand that car accident cases involving defects are complicated. An Arlington defective design or manufacture of vehicles or vehicle components accident lawyer from our team can help you with your personal injury case. They can prove the cause of your accident, evaluate the cost of your expenses, and pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Contact us today at (877) 239-4878 to discuss whether you have a viable claim.
Two Types of Automotive Defects
The NHTSA reports that there were more than 176 million vehicles recalled between 2010 and 2016.
Most automotive defects fall into one of the following two categories:
Manufacturing Defect
A manufacturing defect involves some type of error during the manufacturing process. In these situations, a batch of vehicles or components contains a certain defect.
Some examples of manufacturing defects in vehicles or their components include:
- Tires made with worn tread
- Seat belts that do not secure a person during a collision
- Airbags that do not deploy upon impact
- Faulty ignition switches
- Automotive parts that are misshapen due to poor welding or a problem with a machine
This is by no means an exhaustive list.
Design Defect
A design defect is where all of the parts were made correctly, but an inherent flaw in a vehicle’s design makes it dangerous.
Examples of design defects include:
- Seatbacks that collapse upon impact
- Airbags that do not work properly because of their response to high temperatures
- Fuel systems that do not maintain integrity upon impact
- Issues with the vehicle’s steering system
- Car roofs that cave in during a collision
- Floor mats that cause unwanted acceleration
- Leaking fuel system components
- Faulty wiring systems that increase the possibility of a fire
Again, this is not an exhaustive list.
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Liability for Your Damages
In product liability cases, you may be able to bring a legal claim against one or more of the following parties:
- A vehicle’s manufacturer. A vehicle’s manufacturer is ultimately responsible for the integrity of their products. It should conduct ample testing before releasing vehicles for sale on the market. In some cases, vehicle manufacturers may know about a problem but fail to issue a recall.
- A parts manufacturer. Many vehicle manufacturers use parts that are manufactured by different companies. A defective car part may cause an accident or prevent a safety feature from working properly during an accident. You may have a claim against the company that made the defective part.
- Other parties in the chain of distribution. You may be able to pursue legal action against the parties involved in the chain of distribution. This could include a wholesaler or shipping company.
You may be able to hold other parties accountable for your losses than those listed here.
Potential Damages in a Car Manufacturing Defect Case
If you were injured because of a manufacturing or design defect, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Some compensable losses in your accident case could include:
- The cost of replacing or repairing your vehicle
- Past and future medical expenses to treat the injuries caused by the accident
- Past and future lost wages for the time you missed from work while you were recovering
- A reduction in your earning capacity if the accident forced you to take a lower-paying job
- Loss of consortium if the accident affected your relationship with your spouse or partner
- Pain and suffering
You may be able to recover the cost of damages not included here. To learn more, call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today at (877) 239-4878.
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Proving That a Manufacturing Defect Caused Your Accident
To recover compensation for the injuries you suffered, you will need to establish that the vehicle or its parts were defective.
Evidence of liability may include:
The Car’s Parts
The physical car parts may be a compelling piece of evidence. Your lawyer can consult with auto mechanics and engineers to determine what caused your collision. If possible, try to keep the original car parts when your vehicle is repaired.
Black Box Data
According to the Washington Post, most vehicles manufactured from 2014 and onward contain a “black box” that is similar to the black box found in airplanes.
This electronic recorder may contain important information, such as:
- The speed that the vehicle was traveling at before the accident
- Acceleration and braking patterns near the time of the accident
- Any issues with the engine
- Airbag activation information
Your lawyer can use this information to build your case.
Photos or Videos of the Accident Scene
In some cases, you will not have control over the car’s parts, so it is important that you document the accident scene. You can do this by taking photos and videos of where the collision took place. If you are unable to do this, your personal injury lawyer may be able to obtain video from dashcams, nearby establishments, or traffic cameras.
Eyewitness Testimony
If other people saw the accident, they may be able to explain what happened. Having a statement from an objective witness can go a long way in proving liability.
An Arlington defective design or manufacture of vehicles or vehicle components accident lawyer can help you through the financial recovery process.
Call Us Today for Help with Your Claim
If you or a loved one was injured because of a defective vehicle or auto part, an Arlington defective design or manufacture of vehicles or vehicle components accident lawyer can help you. When you partner with Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our team will investigate your claim, identify all potentially liable parties, and negotiate for a settlement. You are also not responsible for any upfront legal fees, as we only request payment when your case is resolved.
You can speak to a member of our team by calling (877) 239-4878.
