One of the most dangerous and far-reaching types of product defects is a faulty automobile or auto part. Even if the defective vehicle or component was not in your own vehicle, you may have a legitimate product liability case. For example, if you are hurt in a car accident caused by a driver of a car with a defective car or auto part, you may want to enlist an auto defect injury lawyer to bring a claim against the manufacturer. At Moll Law Group, our product liability attorneys provide vigorous legal representation to people nationwide who have been involved in accidents caused by defective automobiles and auto parts, including brakes, car seats, defective tires, door latches, gas pedals, key fobs, seat belts, tire tread separations, General Motors ignition switches, and Takata airbags. Other common results of defective cars include inadequate crashworthiness and rollovers.
Defective automobiles and auto parts that can cause serious harm include brakes, gas pedals, seatbelts, car seats, door latches, and tires. There are several theories under which you may be able to establish liability for injuries caused by defective automobiles and auto parts. These include strict liability, breach of express warranty, and breach of implied warranty.
Under a theory of strict liability, you will need to show that an automobile or auto part was defective and that this defect caused your harm. A breach of express warranty exists when a vehicle or part was guaranteed in writing, and the written guarantee was violated, resulting in an accident. In many states, there are implied warranties that come with certain products. A breach of implied warranty exists when there is a violation of an implied warranty that causes harm.
In most product liability cases involving defective automobiles and auto parts, your auto defect injury lawyer will have to prove that you were involved in an accident, that an automobile or auto part in your vehicle was defectively manufactured or designed, and that this defect caused the accident. Often, manufacturers strongly contest the plaintiff's evidence regarding the issue of causation. Manufacturers may defend lawsuits by arguing that the plaintiff or another driver drove recklessly or negligently, and that this, not the defect, caused the injuries.
When a defective automobile or auto part is at issue, there may be multiple potential defendants liable for damages. The manufacturer of the car as well as the manufacturer of the defective part, if it is an independent company, both may be held accountable. In cases when the defective auto part is a replacement part that you purchased, you may be able to hold the parts manufacturer and anyone in the chain of distribution for that part (such as a middleman, retailer, or mechanic) accountable.
If you successfully establish a defective automobile or auto parts case, you will likely recover damages. As a victim, you may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. As the spouse of a victim, you may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium.
At Moll Law Group, our knowledgeable car accident lawyers help victims throughout the United States pursue damages if they have been hurt due to a defective automobile or component in a vehicle. We bring product liability lawsuits of significant size and scope in states such as Florida, New York, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Massachusetts. Billions of dollars have been recovered in cases in which we have been involved. You may call us at 312-462-1700 or contact us through our online form to set up a free consultation with an auto defect injury attorney.