In some cases, the person who caused a car accident may not have been the driver. If the vehicle’s design or manufacturer is found to be defective, then the manufacturer or designer can be held liable. This type of case requires a lot of investigation and preparation. Having an experienced product lawyer on your side can help you avoid costly mistakes. If you believe your accident was caused by a defect, discuss your rights with a car accident lawyer right away.
Types of Automotive Defects
One type of defect is the design of the vehicle. If the vehicle’s design is defective, it could cause the vehicle to be flawed even if its usage doesn’t cause injury. For instance, if the connections between the fuel lines are made in a way that creates a flammable environment, then the design could be affected.
Another type of defect can be found in the manufacturing process. This occurs when something goes wrong during the production process, such as when the mold does not come off properly. If the vehicle’s parts are not made in the right shape or size, it could cause them to come loose and pose a threat to the drivers and occupants.
Overview of Vehicle Defects
Faulty vehicle parts can affect the operation of a car or truck. In rare cases, a defect could be a safety feature that’s designed to keep the occupants and drivers safe. This type of issue could lead to a recall if enough problems have already been discovered within a certain model.
If a vehicle part breaks or gets loose, it can cause severe injuries or even cause the death of a person. Manufacturers are liable for the damages caused by defective vehicles. In some cases, they can also be held liable for the costs associated with repairs.
Damages
Defects can destroy a vehicle’s internal components, which can lead to accidents. These types of accidents usually involve multiple people and can result in thousands of dollars in damage. Some of the injuries that can be caused by these accidents include broken bones, scratches, and minor injuries. Due to the nature of these types of accidents, many individuals end up filing lawsuits.
Determining Liability
If a plaintiff believes that the accident was caused by a defective vehicle, then they have to show that the issue was a contributing factor to the accident. Usually, a personal injury lawyer will investigate the matter.
The plaintiff must prove that the vehicle was defective and be considered a contributing factor to the accident. If the manufacturer was at fault, then it should be held liable. The plaintiff must also prove that the defect was still in existence during the time of the accident.
Even if a defect was present during the time of the accident, the plaintiff will not be able to win the case if the damages were not sustained in some manner. A lawyer can help gather important details and support the plaintiff’s case. A personal injury lawyer can also review the case to determine the exact damages caused by the defect.
Hiring a Lawyer
Most people buy a vehicle to transport themselves from one place to another safely. Unfortunately, defective vehicles can lead to serious accidents that can injure the passengers, the driver, and other road users. These types of accidents can also take the lives of multiple people.
When a car is involved in an accident, a lawyer can help the victim by ensuring that the vehicle is left untouched until an expert can inspect it. To establish a link between the accident and the defect, an expert will have to be retained.
Before a lawyer can start investigating the case, they will need to gather important details about the vehicle, such as its condition and history. They will also need documents such as insurance records, traffic analysis reports, and treatment records before starting a case.