Auto Defect Accidents
In 2017, 55 people were killed and thousands injured in Fresno car accidents. While many of those crashes were caused by driver error, some were the result of defective vehicles or parts. If you’ve been a victim of an auto defect, you deserve compensation. Grossman Law Offices can tell you more about your options for seeking justice.
What is an Auto Defect?
If a car is not designed properly, anyone who drives the vehicle could be in danger. It’s the vehicle manufacturer’s responsibility to create a reasonably safe vehicle. If they fail to uphold their responsibility, the manufacturer may be liable for paying your accident-related expenses. A parts manufacturer could also be to blame.
An auto defect could cause your accident. But in some cases, the defect isn’t responsible for the crash. Rather, it worsens the injuries you suffer in a collision. In either situation, you can take legal action against the liable party.
All of the following are examples of auto defects caused by parts manufacturers:
Crushed Roof
In the event of a rollover accident, a vehicle’s roof should reasonably protect you from harm. However, this isn’t always the case. If the roof support structures fail, the occupants of the car could be left with serious injuries. Often, this type of defect results in neck injuries or permanent paralysis.
Fuel System Failure
After an accident, a fuel system failure may result in a post-collision fire or explosion. Typically, this is caused by a punctured fuel tank or a poorly designed fuel system. The fire might leave you or other occupants of the vehicle in fatal danger. Even if you survive, you could have permanent disfigurement from your burns.
Airbag Failure
Although an airbag should keep you safe, it doesn’t always work the way it should. At times, the airbag may not activate when it’s needed. Or, it may activate with too much force. Either way, you would be likely to experience serious injuries.
Door Failure
The doors on your car should protect you in an accident. However, the doors could fail and you may be thrown out of your vehicle.
Seatbelt Failure
Some seatbelts have defects that don’t allow them to lock up during a collision. As a result, they have too much slack and don’t restrain the occupant of the vehicle
No Side-Impact Protection
Every car should have reinforcement on the side doors to absorb an impact during a side-impact crash. If you’re T-boned and your doors have no extra protection, your injuries could be severe.
Defective Tires
Tires have a lifespan. But when a tire fails before it’s reached the end of its lifespan, an auto defect might be at play. Unfortunately, defective tires are sometimes causes of accidents.
Holding Manufacturers to a Higher Standard
Today, the auto industry has access to some incredible technology. New developments make it possible for them to make safer vehicles that limit both accidents and injuries. Sadly, certain manufacturers put their profit before safety. They cut corners and leave out the new safety features.
It’s time to start holding automobile manufacturers to high standards. If you’ve been a victim of an auto defect, you can take legal action. By filing a personal injury claim against the parts or vehicle manufacturer, you could receive compensation. In addition to compensating you for your damages and pain and suffering, you also send a message that manufacturers will be held responsible for their actions.
What You Need to File a Lawsuit
If you want to file a lawsuit for an auto defect, the first thing you should do is consult with a premises liability lawyer in Fresno. They will ask you about your accident and determine whether or not you have a case.
In the event that you do have grounds for a claim, they will collect evidence of the defect. This isn’t as easy as you might imagine. To build a compelling case, you need an experienced investigator. The Grossman Law Offices understands the complexities of car defect cases. We have the skills and resources to build a strong case.
Once your case is built and the paperwork is filed, you may resolve the situation out of the courtroom. In mediation, the other party might agree to write you a settlement check. Otherwise, your case will go to court. However your case is resolved, you could end up with the money for your medical bills, missed wages, and pain and suffering. Call our car accident attorney today for a free consultation and get started.
