While some car accidents are caused by more obvious reasons like speeding or distracted driving, others are caused by a vehicle having a defect that contributed to the accident or failed at a critical time. If you were injured due to a defective vehicle or part, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer or other party responsible for your injuries. An experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer can evaluate your situation and determine if you have legal grounds to file a case.
What Is an Auto Defect?
An auto defect is a problem with a vehicle or one of its components that affects the vehicle’s operation or safety. If there is a known defect, you can look up your make and model to see if there are any current recalls on your vehicle. There are generally three types of auto defects:
- Manufacturing defect – A manufacturing defect occurs when there is a problem during the manufacturing process that affects a part or batch of parts or vehicles. For example, tires that are not stored properly may be more likely to blow out.
- Design defect – A design defect occurs when an inherent problem with the design poses an unreasonable risk of harm, such as having a gas tank too far to the back of the vehicle, leading to explosions in case of a rear-end crash.
- Warning defect – A warning defect occurs when a company fails to provide adequate warnings for consumers to protect themselves. For example, an airbag may not disclose that a child should not sit in the front seat to avoid injury.
Common Types of Auto Defects That Contribute to Car Accidents
Various auto defects can contribute to car accidents, such as:
- Malfunctioning brakes that fail to stop in time after pressure is applied to them
- Blowout tires that cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle and crash into others
- Faulty accident-avoidance technology
- Fuel system fires that cause the vehicle to explode and result in more serious injuries
- Roof pillar defects that cause the roof to crush in a rollover accident
Some defects, such as defective seatbelts or airbags, might not cause the crash but can make injuries worse because safety features do not work properly.
Who Is Responsible for an Accident Caused by Auto Defects in San Antonio?
Product liability laws often hold anyone in the stream of commerce to be held liable for accidents involving their products. Possible defendants and legal theories for holding them responsible in such cases could include:
- Manufacturers – Vehicle or parts manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe to use and can be held liable when they sell defective products.
- Car dealerships – The car dealership could be responsible for damages arising out of a defect in a vehicle it sold.
- Auto parts store – The seller of a defective tire, battery, or other auto part could be held responsible for selling a defective part that contributes to an accident.
- Shippers – Automotive vehicle and parts sales often involve shippers who are responsible for keeping the products safe during transport. They could be responsible for
Proving who is liable for an accident caused by an auto defect can be difficult and often requires hiring an attorney who is experienced at handling these complex claims. Extensive discovery may be necessary to obtain critical information and evidence.
Contact Our San Antonio Vehicle Defect Lawyer Today to Discuss Your Legal Options
If you suspect your car accident involved a defective product, George Salinas Injury Lawyers can help. Contact us today to explore your legal options with an experienced San Antonio truck accident attorney.