You have the legal right to sue the manufacturer of your car if a defect caused an accident in which you suffered injury or a loved one died. You could compel the manufacturer of the vehicle or defective part to reimburse you for your losses. Thus, you could recover compensation for vehicle repair or replacement costs, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
A Dallas car accident lawyer can represent you during your case, build a strong claim based on solid evidence, and advocate for you.
Your Right to Sue a Manufacturer for a Car Accident
When someone suffers injuries in a car accident, we generally assume another driver caused the crash. While this is often true, the vehicle itself can cause a car accident. For example, mistakes during the manufacturing process can lead to dangerous defects. If a defective car causes a crash, the victims can sue the manufacturer for damages.
When Is a Vehicle Manufacturer Liable for a Crash?
Texas law holds companies that manufacture products to specific standards. For example, they must ensure their products are reasonably safe and function as intended. So, if an unsafe product causes injury or death, the manufacturer could be liable. This area of the law is called “product liability“ and applies to motor vehicle manufacturers.
A vehicle or parts manufacturer is legally responsible for a car accident if the following conditions are true:
- There was a vehicle defect. Flawed brakes, tires, electrical systems, accelerators, frames, and steering mechanisms are some of the most common faults that lead to accidents.
- The manufacturer’s negligence caused the defect: Negligence could include a flawed design, substandard quality control, misuse of manufacturing equipment, or use of unsafe materials.
- The defect caused the crash. Proving the manufacturer defect caused or contributed to the accident is often one of the most challenging aspects of a product liability case. Companies usually try to blame the driver or other circumstances. Thus, your lawyer will need compelling evidence to prove the existence of a defect and demonstrate the defect caused your crash.
- You suffered losses in the crash: Recoverable damages often include medical expenses, lost income from being unable to work, and property damage.
Statute of Limitations for Suing a Manufacturer for Car Crash Injuries
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 sets a two-year deadline for product liability cases. Moreover, if you wait too long to file your lawsuit, you might be ineligible to sue for compensation.
Compensation From Suing a Manufacturer for Car Accident Injuries
Did the manufacturer of your motor vehicle or a component act negligently? And did their negligence lead to your crash? If so, you can sue the manufacturer to compensate you for your losses.
Suing the manufacturer may result in compensation for your economic and noneconomic suffering. You may recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses: Did you go to the ER after the crash? Did you require doctor’s visits, specialist consultations, surgery, or other medical care? If so, you could qualify for compensation for these medical costs related to the crash and future expenses you’ll encounter due to follow-up care, rehabilitative care, medication, and more.
- Lost income: Did you miss work because of car accident injuries? If so, you might receive compensation for your lost income. Furthermore, if your injuries caused disability or impairment, you could qualify for compensation for reduced earning potential.
- Property damage: The manufacturer might be liable for vehicle repair or replacement expenses. You could recover compensation for other property damage resulting from the accident (e.g., a smashed-up cellphone).
- Pain and suffering: Noneconomic damages are the intangible losses an injured person experiences. You may qualify for compensation for your physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and other intangible losses.
- Wrongful death: If your loved one died in a car crash caused by a vehicle defect, you could file a wrongful death claim and recover compensation for losing your loved one’s income, funeral and medical expenses, and other losses.
How Much Compensation Can I Receive if I Sue the Manufacturer of My Car?
The value of a product liability case against a vehicle manufacturer varies. Many factors influence your potential payout in a lawsuit against a vehicle manufacturer, including the following:
- The severity of your injuries
- The medical treatment you need
- Whether you sustained a permanent disability
- Your property damage expenses
- How much income you lost
- The extent of your pain and suffering
Working with a lawyer who will fight for the maximum compensation in your claim is critical. Vehicle manufacturers try to settle product liability cases for as little as possible. They offer low settlements and hope injured parties will take the settlement without recognizing they could recover considerably more. So, make sure you have a legal professional on your side fighting for you.
Types of Defects Caused by Negligent Car Manufacturers
Vehicle manufacturing companies should ensure all vehicles and vehicle parts are safe. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not always meet this standard. Foreseeable problems during the manufacturing process can lead to these issues:
- Defective brakes
- Tire and wheel flaws
- Electrical system defects
- Inadequate or non-functioning safety features
- Airbag defects
- Structural and frame defects
- Steering system flaws
- Acceleration defects
- Fuel system deficiencies
- Transmission defects
- Ignition switch defects
Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Sue the Manufacturer of Your Car
Car manufacturers are liable for car crashes in specific situations. For example, did a vehicle defect cause your injuries or your loved one’s wrongful death? If so, you can sue the manufacturer and possibly qualify for compensation for your pain and suffering, lost income, medical expenses, and more. Loncar Lyon Jenkins can help.
Bringing a successful lawsuit against the manufacturer takes work. Thus, you’ll want a lawyer with the skills and experience to represent you effectively. So, call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today to schedule your free case evaluation. Our team operates on a contingency fee structure. You only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you.
