Was Your Accident The Result Of A Recall?
Brian O Sutter
Recalls
While most of us do not think we will have an accident when we get into the car, they do happen. So what if you or a loved one was in an accident and it was caused or made worse due to a defective part or vehicle malfunction? What are your legal options?Can I File A Product Liability Lawsuit?
Last year, 29.3 million vehicles were recalled. While driver error is the primary cause of auto accidents, there are however times when an automotive defect either caused the accident or contributed to the injuries you sustained. In cases such as these, you have the right to file a product liability lawsuit against the car manufacturer, for the defective part that caused you to be injured.
Seven Common Car Defects That Can Cause Injuries
Hopefully you will get notified of a recall and fix the defects before any harm comes to you but realistically it does not happen consistently. In a product liability suit you claim the car was defective, you used it as intended but as a result of the defect you were injured and suffered damages. Some more common defects include:
• Airbags: Airbags that fail to deploy will make your injuries that much worse or can even cause death. But airbags that deploy when they shouldn't are also a cause for injury as they can cause burns and bruises. If the airbag deploys when it should not it can also obstruct your vision and cause you to have an accident. If an airbag deploys too fast upon impact it can cause injuries as airbags are meant to cushion you from the impact of the accident. If it deploys with too much force it can actually cause severe injuries and even death.
• Seat belts: One of the biggest safety features in any car are the seat belts. If the latch on your seatbelt fails you will not only sustain serious injuries but you can even be ejected through the front windshield. Another issue is the seat belt retractor. A retractor can fail if it gives too much slack and does not hold you. Even a few inches of slack can mean the difference between mild and serious injury.
• Seat backs: If a seat back fails or breaks during impact in an accident, you can sustain serious spinal injuries. A seat back that breaks upon impact leads to the question, “why did it break?”.
• Vehicle Fires: The majority of vehicle fires are caused by electrical system defects. Vehicles are not meant to go up in flames when impacted. If it does, there is a chance that it is some form of defect.
• Accelerating and Braking: If your car suddenly accelerates and you lose control of the vehicle, it is not only terrifying, but is dangerous. Just as bad, if the brakes on your car fail it can result in a serious accident.
• Power Steering Failure: If your power steering suddenly fails, you can control the vehicle. But the sudden change and the amount of force you need to use may result in an accident.
• Tire Failure: There are many reasons why your tires may be defective resulting in an accident. The installation of the tire, tread separation. Poor installation can result in sidewall separation.
If you believe that your accident or someone you know has been hurt in an injury caused by an auto defect, there are steps you can take. The first step is to preserve any evidence that supports your claim. Photograph the vehicles and the scene of the accident from all angles. Try and keep track of where your vehicle has been taken, for example an impound lot. Do not have any repairs done on the vehicle until you have hired an experienced lawyer.
For over 30 years, our firm has been serving the people of Port Charlotte, Sarasota and Ft. Myers. The majority of our clients are referrals from previous clients due to our success rate and personal care we give each and every client. You deserve to be compensated for the injuries you sustained due to a defective vehicle. You need someone that has the experience and knowledge to stand up to the big manufacturing companies and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact the attorneys at all Injuries Law Firm for a free case review today at 1-941-625-HURT.