Can Defective Auto Parts Result in Car Accidents?

 Posted on July 08, 2021 in Defective Products

Car accidents do not always result from driver error, like distracted driving or speeding. Sometimes a defective auto part is to blame. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that as many as 44,000 car accidents occur each year because of car defects. If you were injured in a vehicle crash caused by a faulty car part, you may be entitled to receive compensation. 

Common Types of Defective Car Parts

Vehicles are made up of thousands of parts that have to work together. If one part is defective, it can lead to an accident. Here are several examples of faulty auto parts and how they can result in collisions.

• Tires - If a vehicle’s tires are defective, they can blow out, causing a driver to lose control of the vehicle and get into an accident. The vehicle can also roll over if there is a tire blowout.

• Brake systems - A vehicle’s brake system can malfunction because of loss of brake fluid, a bad brake cylinder, and brakes that lock unexpectedly. 

• Airbags - Airbags are supposed to keep you safe in the event of an accident. However, if they are not designed correctly, they can deploy with no warning and result in head, face, and neck injuries.

• Seat belts - Even seat belts can be dangerous if not manufactured properly. Common causes of seat belt failure include poor design, defective material used for webbing, and false latching.

• Door latches - If a vehicle has a faulty door latch, the door may look like it is closed when it really is not. This can result in the door flying open when the vehicle is moving.

Liable Parties for Car Accidents Caused By Defective Parts

If you suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a defective part, there are several parties that may be held legally responsible, including:

• Manufacturer - Manufacturers of auto parts must ensure they are safe. If mistakes occur during the manufacturing process and a part fails, the manufacturing company may be held responsible.

• Designer - If the design of an auto part caused it to malfunction, the designer may be held liable for injuries.

• Marketer - Marketers of auto parts have to provide warnings and instructions with the product. If they fail to do this and the part fails, the marketer may be held accountable.

Obtaining Compensation for Vehicle Accidents Caused by Faulty Parts

If you were in a car accident that resulted from a defective auto part, you may be entitled to receive compensation for a wide range of damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle report costs, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

Contact a Dallas, TX Defective Product Attorney

If you were hurt in a vehicle accident caused by a defective auto part, you should speak to a Dallas County defective product lawyer. Attorney Jerry D. Andrews P.C. knows how devastating it is to be in an accident like this and will fight to get you fair compensation. Call 214-221-5800 to schedule a free consultation. 

Source: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812115