Following a collision, your initial reaction is likely to blame the other driver. In many cases, you’d be right in this assumption as human error is often the culprit. However, in some crashes, it’s not the driver who is to blame but the vehicle. If the car has a defective part, determining who is at fault is much more difficult as multiple parties may bear liability. If you suspect a defective automobile part led to an accident in which you were injured, it’s in your best interest to turn to our seasoned Manatee County Product Liability Lawyers who can help you fight for the best possible outcome. Please continue reading to learn who can face liability for accidents caused by defective automobile parts.
How Do Defects Lead to Car Accidents?
When it comes to mechanical malfunctions that cause collisions, the defects are usually one of the following:
- Design defect: This occurs when there is a problem with how a part was designed that renders it unsafe.
- Manufacturing defect: This occurs when there are errors during production and assembly. While the design may be sound, malfunctions may occur at some point if the plans are not followed, which causes the product to be defective.
- Failure to warn: This occurs when a manufacturer fails to adequately warn consumers about the inherent dangers posed by a product.
Who Can I Hold Liable for Injuries Caused By Defective Car Parts?
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a defective automobile part, numerous parties may be held liable for the damages you have incurred. This is because there are several steps in creating, distributing, and selling car parts. Therefore, a defect can occur during any part of the manufacturing process.
That said the first thing you should consider is whether or not human error was involved to determine liability for your accident. For instance, if you were struck by a driver, the accident could have been caused by their negligent actions alongside a defective automobile part. In such cases, you could hold the other motorist partially liable.
Additionally, you may hold the manufacturer liable for the injuries you have sustained as a result of a defective car part as they are responsible for ensuring the products they produce to consumers are safe to use as intended and meet stringent safety standards. For instance, if they failed to issue a recall when they discovered a safety issue with a vehicle part, they can face liability for injuries sustained as a result of their negligence.
As you can see, determining liability in these types of crashes can be incredibly complex. At Becker & Lindaeur, LLC, we are prepared to help you fight for the justice you deserve. Connect with our legal team today to learn more about how we can assist you.
