Introduction

When vehicle defects cause or worsen car accident injuries, manufacturers may be liable under product liability law. Defective brakes, tires, steering systems, airbags, and other components can cause accidents or make crash injuries more severe than they should have been. Product liability claims can provide significant additional compensation beyond standard accident claims.

This comprehensive guide covers types of vehicle defects, product liability theories, pursuing claims against manufacturers, and coordinating defect claims with accident claims.

Vehicle defects can provide additional compensation sources. We'll help you understand when product liability claims may apply.

Types of Vehicle Defects

Design defects exist when a vehicle or component is inherently dangerous as designed. All products of that design share the defect. Examples include vehicles prone to rollovers due to high center of gravity or fuel tank placements that increase fire risk.

Manufacturing defects occur when individual products are flawed during production despite adequate design. A single defective brake caliper or improperly welded component creates a manufacturing defect claim.

Failure to warn claims arise when manufacturers don't adequately warn about product risks or proper use. Inadequate warnings about tire inflation or roof rack weight limits can create liability.

Common defective components include brakes, tires, steering systems, airbags, seat belts, fuel systems, and electronic control systems.

Crashworthiness Claims

Crashworthiness doctrine holds manufacturers liable for injuries worsened by defective design, even when the manufacturer didn't cause the initial accident. Vehicles must provide reasonable protection in foreseeable crashes.

Inadequate roof strength in rollovers, seat back failures that increase injury severity, and airbag malfunctions are common crashworthiness claims.

You can pursue crashworthiness claims against the manufacturer while also pursuing claims against the at-fault driver who caused the accident. These claims are not mutually exclusive.

Crashworthiness claims focus on enhanced injuries - the additional harm caused by the defect beyond what would have occurred with proper design.

Product Liability Theories

Strict liability holds manufacturers responsible for defective products without requiring proof of negligence. You must prove the product was defective and the defect caused your injuries.

Negligence claims require proving the manufacturer failed to use reasonable care in design, manufacturing, or warnings. Evidence of what the manufacturer knew about risks supports negligence claims.

Breach of warranty claims arise when products fail to meet express or implied promises about safety and quality.

Product liability claims can be brought against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers in the chain of commerce.

Evidence Preservation

The vehicle is critical evidence in any product liability claim. Send preservation letters immediately to prevent the vehicle from being repaired, salvaged, or destroyed.

Photograph the allegedly defective component and the vehicle damage thoroughly before anything is moved or repaired.

Expert examination of the vehicle and components is essential for proving defect claims. Experts can identify design or manufacturing flaws.

Investigate recalls, technical service bulletins, and prior complaints about the same defect. Manufacturer knowledge of problems supports your claim.

Pursuing Manufacturer Claims

Product liability cases against major manufacturers require significant resources for investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation against well-funded corporate defendants.

Attorneys experienced in product liability have the expertise and resources needed for these complex cases.

Manufacturer liability can provide substantial compensation, particularly when injuries are severe and the at-fault driver has limited insurance.

Class actions or multi-district litigation may exist for known defects, potentially streamlining your individual claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a vehicle defect caused my accident?
Preserve and inspect vehicle immediately. Tire blowouts, brake failures, steering problems, unintended acceleration, or airbag failures may indicate defects. Automotive engineers analyze whether defect contributed. Attorney researches recalls and similar incidents.
Can I sue the manufacturer even if another driver hit me?
Yes. Sue both the at-fault driver and manufacturer if defects contributed. Even if driver caused crash, manufacturer liable if defects enhanced your injuries (roof crush, fuel fires, restraint failures). Parallel claims common.
What is a crashworthiness claim?
Claim that vehicle defects made injuries worse than they should have been. Even if driver caused crash, manufacturer liable if design/manufacturing defects enhanced injuries. Examples: Roof crush, fuel fires, inadequate restraints.
How do I find out about recalls?
Check NHTSA website (safercar.gov) for recalls and complaints. Enter VIN to see recalls on specific vehicle. Attorney conducts comprehensive recall and technical service bulletin research. Manufacturers must fix recalled defects free.
Can I get punitive damages against manufacturers?
Yes, if manufacturer knew about defect but didn't recall or fix it. Evidence of prior complaints, concealed defects, or prioritizing profits over safety supports punitive damages. Can add millions to verdicts.
Do I need to preserve my vehicle?
Critical. Don't let anyone repair or destroy it. Photograph extensively from all angles. Store securely. Vehicle is crucial evidence. Attorney sends preservation letters to all parties. Destruction of evidence can create sanctions against insurance.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Vehicle defects can create additional claims beyond standard accident liability. Manufacturers bear responsibility when their products cause or worsen injuries.

The most important steps you can take right now are: preserve the vehicle before it's repaired or destroyed, document the defective component, investigate recalls and prior complaints, and consult an attorney experienced in product liability.

If you suspect a vehicle defect contributed to your accident or injuries, contact a qualified attorney for a free consultation. An experienced product liability attorney can investigate potential defects and pursue claims against manufacturers in addition to your accident claim.