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In a car accident, it's not just the drivers who can be held liable. In some cases, the manufacturers of defective auto parts can also be sued for damages. If you've been in an accident caused by a faulty component, you may be wondering how to proceed with your case. Here's what you need to know about defective parts and car accidents.
How Defective Parts Cause Car Accidents
There are many ways that a defective part can cause an accident. For example, if a vehicle's brakes fail, the driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting another car. Or, if a tire explodes while the car is moving, the driver could lose control of the vehicle. In some cases, a manufacturer may be aware of a safety issue but fail to remedy it in a timely manner, which can also lead to accidents. Common types of car accidents seen with defective car parts include:
- Airbags deploy too early or not at all
- Seat belts break and fail to restrain
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Steering malfunction
Determining Liability in Cases Involving Defective Auto Parts
In general, there are three ways that liability can be determined in cases involving defective auto parts:
The part was defectively designed.
If the part was flawlessly designed but still malfunctioned, the manufacturer would not typically be held liable. However, if the part's design was inherently dangerous, the manufacturer could be held responsible for any accidents or injuries resulting from the defect.
The part was defectively manufactured.
Even if a part is designed properly, it can still be defective if it wasn't manufactured correctly. For example, if a metal component wasn't welded correctly, it could break and cause an accident. In this case, the manufacturer would likely be held liable.
The warnings or instructions that accompanied the part were inadequate.
Finally, even if a part is designed and manufactured correctly, it can still be considered defective if the warnings or instructions that came with it were insufficient. For example, if a part has special installation requirements that weren't made clear to the vehicle fabricator, any accidents or injuries that result from incorrect installation could lead to liability for the manufacturer.
Product Liability and Car Accident Attorney at Gulf South Law Firm
If you've been injured in an accident caused by a defective auto part, you may have legal recourse against the manufacturer of that component. How liability will be determined in your case will depend on various factors, including whether the design of the part was flawed or whether adequate warnings or instructions were provided with the component. An experienced personal injury attorney at Gulf South Law Firm will be able to help you investigate your claim and determine who may be held liable for your damages.
If you have been injured in a car accident due to a defective product, call our office today at (228) 231-3989 for a free consultation.