Vehicle accidents occur regularly, and most people have been involved in collisions caused by other drivers’ negligence. However, what most people don’t expect is to be involved in a collision caused by an auto defect. Unfortunately, flawed vehicles and vehicle parts cause collisions all the time. If you or a loved one have been harmed by a defective automobile or automobile part, we encourage you to reach out to a car accident lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona who can help you understand your options for recovering compensation.
What Are Common Types of Auto Defects?
Auto defects can occur in a wide range of vehicle components, potentially leading to accidents or increasing the severity of a crash. Some of the most common types of auto defects that contribute to accidents include:
- Brake failures. Faulty brakes are one of the most dangerous auto defects, as they can prevent drivers from stopping in time to avoid a collision.
- Tire defects. Defective tires can result in blowouts, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Tread separation, sidewall failures, or under-inflated tires are common issues.
- Airbag malfunctions. Airbags protect vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. However, defective airbags may fail to deploy during an accident or deploy unexpectedly, causing injuries. The Takata airbag recall is a well-known example of defective airbags causing injuries and fatalities.
- Seatbelt failures. Seatbelts are designed to keep occupants secure during a crash. Defective seatbelts may fail to restrain passengers properly, leading to more catastrophic injuries in the event of a collision.
- Steering defects. Malfunctions in the steering system, such as power steering failures, can cause drivers to lose control of their car, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
- Accelerator defects. Stuck or unresponsive accelerators can lead to unintended acceleration, making it difficult for drivers to control their speed or stop.
Who is Liable in an Auto Defect Accident?
Determining liability in an auto defect accident can be more complicated than in a typical vehicle collision. In many cases, the responsible party may be a vehicle manufacturer, a parts supplier, or even a mechanic or dealership that improperly serviced the vehicle. Some of the parties that may be held liable for an auto defect accident include:
- Vehicle manufacturers. Auto makers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are safe for consumers. If a design flaw or manufacturing defect leads to a collision and injuries, the manufacturer can be held liable.
- Parts suppliers. In some cases, the defect may originate with a specific component, such as faulty brakes or tires. If a defect in a specific part caused the accident, the parts supplier or manufacturer may be responsible for the damages.
- Dealerships or mechanics. If a vehicle was recently serviced or repaired, and a faulty repair contributed to the accident, the mechanic or dealership that performed the service could be held liable. This is especially true if improper installation of a part caused the defect.
- Third-party manufacturers. Many vehicles are equipped with parts from third-party manufacturers. If the defect stems from a part that was designed or produced by a third party, they may be responsible for any damages caused by the defective component.
How to Prove an Auto Defect Caused the Accident
Proving that an auto defect caused your accident can be challenging, as it requires thorough investigation and technical expertise. To build a successful product liability claim in Arizona, you must demonstrate that the defect directly contributed to the accident or the severity of the injuries. Some key pieces of evidence used in auto defect cases include:
- Vehicle inspections and expert analysis. After an accident, the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified expert to identify any mechanical failures or defects that contributed to the crash. This expert testimony is often essential to proving that a defect was responsible for the accident.
- Recall information. If the vehicle or a specific part was subject to a recall, this information can help strengthen your claim. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a database of recalls, which can be used to identify if a known defect was present in the vehicle.
- Maintenance and repair records. If the vehicle had recently been repaired or serviced, maintenance records can help determine whether the defect was due to improper repairs or installation.
- Crash data. Many modern vehicles are equipped with “black box” data recorders that capture information such as speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the crash. This data can be valuable in proving that a mechanical failure, such as a brake or steering defect, caused the accident.
Contact an Arizona Auto Defect Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an auto defect, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. At Sargon Law Group, we understand the complexities of auto defect cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us by filling out our contact form or calling (623) 552-2571 for a free consultation.