Most car accidents result from driver error, weather conditions, or road hazards, but sometimes the vehicle itself is to blame. Product defects in automobiles can cause serious accidents even when drivers do everything right. Our Ventura, CA car accident lawyer understands firsthand that these cases present unique legal challenges because the responsible party isn’t another driver but rather the manufacturer, parts supplier, or dealership that sold a defective product.
Types of Defects That Lead to Accidents
Automotive defects fall into three main categories, each with different legal implications. Design defects affect entire product lines and occur when the original design creates unreasonable safety risks. The Ford Pinto’s fuel tank placement in the 1970s is a famous example of a design defect that led to deadly fires in rear-end collisions.
Manufacturing defects happen during production when individual vehicles don’t meet the intended design specifications. A brake line that wasn’t properly installed or a steering component that wasn’t tightened to specifications could cause catastrophic failures that lead to accidents.
Marketing defects involve inadequate warnings or instructions about known risks. If a manufacturer knows that certain driving conditions can cause their vehicle to behave unpredictably but fails to warn consumers, they may be liable for resulting accidents.
Common Defective Parts That Cause Crashes
Brake system failures represent one of the most dangerous types of automotive defects. When brake pads, rotors, brake lines, or electronic brake systems fail, drivers lose the ability to stop safely. We’ve handled cases involving sudden brake failures that resulted in rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and vehicles rolling into traffic.
Tire defects can cause sudden blowouts, tread separation, or loss of vehicle control. Defective tires have been linked to rollover accidents, especially in SUVs and trucks. The massive Firestone tire recalls of the early 2000s highlighted how tire defects can cause widespread accidents and injuries.
Steering system problems can make vehicles impossible to control. Power steering failures, loose steering components, or electronic steering malfunctions can cause drivers to lose control suddenly, leading to head-on collisions, rollover accidents, or vehicles veering off roadways.
Airbag defects have received significant attention in recent years, particularly the Takata airbag recalls that affected millions of vehicles. Defective airbags can fail to deploy during accidents, deploy unexpectedly, or explode with excessive force, causing additional injuries rather than preventing them.
Recalls Don’t Always Prevent Accidents
Manufacturers issue recalls when they discover defects, but these recalls don’t always reach vehicle owners in time to prevent accidents. Some people never receive recall notices due to outdated contact information. Others receive notices but delay getting the repairs done due to inconvenience or cost concerns.
Even when recalls are issued promptly, the defect may have already caused accidents. Manufacturers often know about defects for months or years before issuing recalls, during which time dangerous vehicles remain on the road.
At Cohen Injury Law Group, P.C., we’ve represented clients injured by defects that were subject to recalls, but the accidents occurred before the recall was issued or completed. In these cases, the manufacturer may still be liable for injuries caused by known defects.
Proving Product Liability Claims
Product defect cases require different evidence than typical car accident claims. Instead of focusing on driver behavior, we need to prove that a defect existed and that this defect caused or contributed to the accident and resulting injuries.
This often involves working with automotive engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other technical professionals who can analyze the failed components and explain how the defect led to the accident. We may need to examine the vehicle’s maintenance records, recall history, and similar defects in other vehicles of the same make and model.
The burden of proof in product liability cases can be challenging because manufacturers have extensive resources and legal teams dedicated to defending these claims. They often argue that driver error, poor maintenance, or normal wear and tear caused the accident rather than a product defect.
Multiple Parties May Be Responsible
Product defect cases can involve multiple defendants, including the vehicle manufacturer, parts suppliers, dealerships, and repair shops. Each party may try to shift blame to others, making these cases more complex than standard car accident claims.
For example, if a brake failure causes an accident, the vehicle manufacturer might blame the brake parts supplier, while the parts supplier argues that the dealership installed the brakes incorrectly. Sorting through these competing claims requires thorough investigation and legal strategy.
Compensation in Defect Cases
Product liability claims can result in significant compensation because they often involve corporate defendants with substantial resources. In addition to typical damages like medical expenses and lost wages, these cases may include punitive damages designed to punish manufacturers for putting dangerous products on the market.
Class action lawsuits sometimes develop when defects affect large numbers of vehicles, but individual injury claims are typically handled separately to address each person’s specific damages and circumstances.
If you’ve been injured in an accident that you suspect was caused by a vehicle defect, don’t assume it was just bad luck. Contact our experienced Ventura, CA car accident lawyer at Cohen Injury Law Group, P.C. today for a free consultation. We’ll investigate whether a product defect contributed to your accident and help you pursue compensation from all responsible parties.