While most car accidents are the result of a driver’s negligence, there are a surprising number of accidents that result from a vehicle defect. Although vehicle safety has improved considerably over the last several decades, vehicle defects can still cause serious accidents. Many drivers are currently driving vehicles that have defects of which they may not be aware.
Common Vehicle Defects
Vehicle manufacturers have an obligation to manufacture and design their products safely, and if they find that a vehicle component is defective, they have a duty to issue a recall. Some common vehicle defects include:
- Defective Airbags—airbags that fail to deploy or deploy improperly have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Recently, millions of vehicles were recalled to replace defective airbags
- Defective Tires—while overall age and wear of tires can cause an accident, defectively manufactured tires are not uncommon. Tires that fall off or break apart can lead a driver to lose control of a vehicle
- Defective Brakes—if the brakes on a vehicle are defective, the results can be deadly
- Defective Steering—steering systems with faulty hydraulics, jammed steering locks, and defective power steering systems can cause drivers to lose control
- Defective Fuel Systems—fuel systems that catch fire can cause deadly burn injuries
- Defective Seatbelts—seatbelts that don’t properly lock or restrain motorists can make even a minor accident deadly
- Defective Acceleration—millions of Toyotas were recalled after vehicles suddenly accelerated during driving and caused serious accidents
If someone is injured as the result of a vehicle defect, they may be able to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the vehicle or vehicle component.
Does Your Vehicle Have a Defect?
While not all vehicle defects result in recalls, if your manufacturer does issue a recall, it is important to follow instructions for having your vehicle repaired. You can see if your vehicle has a recall by checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database.
Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney
If you’ve been injured as the result of a defective vehicle, you should have an experienced product liability attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping New Yorkers injured by defective products. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.