Who is Liable in a Car Accident Caused by a Defect?
Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, electric car, or minivan, all drivers or vehicle owners want a safe and reliable vehicle that will not need multiple visits to the repair shop and keep them and other road users safe on the roadway. However, some vehicles are rolled out with design defects or malfunctioning parts that can result in serious crashes that involve major property damage and severe injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
If you get into a car crash due to a malfunctioning car component or defective vehicle, you may pursue compensation for your losses from the liable party. But who can you actually sue and recover compensation from?
Who Can Be Held Financially Responsible for a Defective Car Accident?
If your crash resulted from a defective vehicle or vehicle component, you can bring a product liability claim against one or more of the following entities:
- Vehicle component manufacturer
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Shipping company
- Auto dealership
In general, most product liability claims involving motor vehicles are based on the following:
- Design Flaws – These are especially hazardous since they usually impact an entire vehicle line. They involve components or vehicles that have dangerous design defects.
- Manufacturing Defects – These include defects that occur when the vehicle or vehicle part is being manufactured. These defects may occur in the manufacturing facility, the shipping process, or the auto dealership.
What Are The Most Common Vehicle Defects?
All manufacturers of vehicles and vehicle components are legally obligated to make sure the products they make are reasonably safe. They must also adequately warn buyers of current issues and those they discover later. If they fail to do so and their vehicle causes a crash and injures someone, the injured person is entitled to seek compensation for the damages resulting from the crash. These are some of the most common vehicle defects that can lead to severe collisions:
- Airbags that failed to deploy when they should have or deploy when shouldn’t.
- Accelerators that break or get stuck.
- Wheels that break or crack, resulting in the driver losing control of their vehicle.
- Electrical system issues that lead to fires or faulty lights.
- Seatbelts or seats that suddenly fail.
- Parts of the fuel system susceptible to damage during a crash that can leak and cause a fire.
- Steering parts that break.
- Improperly designed or manufactured windshield wipers that don’t function as expected.
- Tires or other vehicle parts that fall apart, break, or detach from the vehicle.
Speak to a Seasoned Nashville Defective Products Attorney Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash because of a defective vehicle or part, the Nashville defective products attorney at Raybin & Weissman can hold the negligent party liable for your losses through a product liability case. They are ready to negotiate for maximum compensation on your behalf and fight for your best interests and legal rights in court if needed. Dial 615-256-6666 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with our Nashville defective products attorney.