A common assumption in car accidents is that one or more drivers involved in any particular crash must be to blame. This assumption could be because human error is the leading cause of crashes. However, it is not always the case. Car manufacturers, too, can be liable depending on the circumstances of an accident.
Your vehicle manufacturer is legally obligated to ensure that the car you are driving is safe and does not pose any unnecessary risk to you or others. If a defect in the vehicle caused an accident, the manufacturer could be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries or damages.
Car defects that may lead to accidents and injuries
Vehicles consist of thousands of moving parts and electrical components working in tandem. If any fail, the results can be disastrous, and the manufacturer may be liable.
Examples of such vehicle defects include the following:
- Airbags that fail to deploy after a crash
- Defective seat belts
- Malfunctioning breaks
- Random acceleration due to electronic glitches
- A faulty steering wheel
- Defective tires or axles
All these are crucial functions of a motor vehicle that you expect to work perfectly, especially in the event of a crash. Therefore, you may have a case against the vehicle manufacturer if a defective car part played a part in your accident or the resulting injuries.
How can you prove your car manufacturer’s liability?
You are not necessarily required to prove that a manufacturer was careless when manufacturing or designing the defective car part that caused your harm.
Under the legal doctrine of strict liability, all you have to show is that a defective vehicle component led to the accident or failed to protect you as intended.
Claims against established car manufacturers can be complicated and overwhelming, as they will likely defend themselves vigorously to protect their business interests. As such, it’s essential to seek qualified legal representation if you have been involved in a car accident and suspect that a defect in your car may have contributed to the cause(s) of your crash or aggravated your injuries.
