If you’ve been in a car accident caused by a faulty car part you’re probably wondering what your options are. Defective parts can cause serious accidents and injuries and you need to know your rights and what you need to do to get compensated.
Working with a Fayetteville car accident lawyer will make all the difference in these complicated legal matters. In this post, we’ll go over the different legal paths available to victims of defective car parts from proving liability to statutes of limitations and repose.
Vehicle Defects
Defective car parts can cause serious accidents and injuries. Knowing what these defects are is important for safety and legal purposes. Here we will go over some common defective car parts and the different types of defects that can occur.
Common Defective Car Parts
A defective auto part can put your life in danger on the road. Here are some of the most common issues:
- Faulty brakes: Brake failure can cause loss of control and severe accidents.
- Defective tires: Worn or damaged tires can cause blowouts and crashes.
- Malfunctioning airbags: Airbags that don’t deploy can fail to protect passengers in a crash.
Types of Defects
Knowing the types of defects will help you identify potential claims. The main categories are:
- Design defects: These are flaws in the product design itself, making it dangerous even if manufactured correctly.
- Manufacturing defects: These occur during the manufacturing process and the product deviates from its intended design.
- Marketing defects: This is a lack of warnings or instructions that can mislead consumers about how to use the product safely.
By knowing these common issues and types of defects you can better understand your rights and what legal options are available if you’ve been in an accident caused by defective car parts.
Legal Theories for Defective Car Parts
When it comes to defective car parts you need to know the legal theories that apply. These theories can make a big difference in a case and how compensation is sought. One of the legal actions you can take is filing a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Strict Liability
In strict liability cases, the focus is on whether the car part was defective. This means if there is a defect the manufacturer can be held liable without having to prove negligence. The elements are:
- Prove the part was defective.
- Prove the defect that caused the accident.
This makes it easier for victims as they don’t have to prove the manufacturer was negligent.
Negligence
Negligence means proving the manufacturer failed to meet a standard of care. Here the injured party must show:
- The manufacturer breached the duty of care.
- A direct link between negligence and the accident.
This can be more complicated as it requires evidence of what the manufacturer did or didn’t do to cause the defect.
Breach of Warranty
Breach of warranty occurs when a manufacturer doesn’t live up to the promises made about a product. This can be:
- Express warranties where specific claims are made about the product.
- Implied warranties where there are unwritten assurances the product is fit for use.
If the defective part doesn’t perform as promised the manufacturer may be liable for damages.
Who’s Liable?
When it comes to defective car parts, you need to know who’s responsible for the injuries and damages, including vehicle manufacturers. Knowing the parties involved will help you build your case.
Car Manufacturers
Car manufacturers are the first party to be looked at in cases involving defective vehicles. They are responsible for the overall safety and performance of the vehicles they produce. If a defect comes from a design flaw or manufacturing error the manufacturer may be liable for the accident. This liability extends to the company’s responsibility to ensure their vehicles meet safety standards.
Component Parts Manufacturers and Suppliers
In many cases, the fault is not with the car manufacturer but with the companies that produce the parts for motor vehicles. For example, if faulty brakes or tires cause an accident, the manufacturers of those components can be held liable. Suppliers who distribute those parts can also be liable if they don’t follow safety regulations or provide defective products.
Dealerships and Rental Companies
Dealerships and rental companies can also be liable if they sell or lease vehicles with known defects. They must inform customers of any issues. If they don’t they could be held responsible for the accident. This includes making sure the vehicles are properly maintained and safe to drive.
Inspectors and Repair Services
Lastly, inspectors and repair services are also part of vehicle safety. If a mechanic or inspector misses a defect during an inspection they may be liable if that defect causes an accident. Proper maintenance is key to vehicle safety and any negligence in this area can mean liability for damages.
The Defective Car Part Caused the Accident
When you’re claiming for an accident caused by a defective car part you need to prove the defect was the cause of the accident, show the defect made the vehicle unreasonably dangerous, and determine the liability of all parties involved. Ensuring motor vehicle safety is crucial in preventing accidents caused by defective parts.
Primary Cause
To prove a defective car part caused an accident you need to show the defect was the main cause. This often involves collecting evidence from the scene such as photos of the vehicle and the accident site. Witness statements can also be important in showing what happened. Police reports and accident reconstruction experts’ documentation can also support your case.
The Defect was Unreasonably Dangerous
Next, you need to show the defective part was unreasonably dangerous. This means the part didn’t meet safety standards or wasn’t fit for use. For example, if faulty brakes caused an accident you need to show the brakes failed due to a design or manufacturing error. Expert testimony can be helpful here as they can explain how the defect caused the accident and the risks involved.
Liability of Multiple Parties
In some cases, multiple parties can be liable for an accident caused by a defective car part. This could be the car manufacturer, the parts supplier, or even the dealership that sold the vehicle. To establish liability you need to identify each party’s role in the defect. This often involves investigating the supply chain and the manufacturing process. Knowing how each entity contributed to the defect is key to your case.
Statutes of Limitations and Repose
Knowing the time limits for filing a claim is important in product liability cases involving defective car parts as both statutes of limitations and repose can bar your ability to get compensation.
Filing Product Liability Claims within Time Frames
When it comes to defective car parts timing is everything. Each state has its statutes of limitations that dictate how long you have to file a product liability claim. These time frames can range from one to six years depending on the state. In Georgia, for example, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Miss that deadline and you lose your right to get compensation for injuries caused by defective auto parts.
Statute of Repose
In addition to the statute of limitations, the statute of repose also comes into play in product liability cases. This law sets a time limit after a product is sold within which a claim can be filed. Even if the injury occurs within the statute of limitations if the time since the product was sold exceeds the statute of repose the claim may be barred. In Georgia, this is ten years for most products. Knowing these time limits is important for anyone affected by defective car parts as they can bar your ability to take legal action.
Damages
When you’re injured by defective car parts knowing the types of damages you can claim is important. This will help guide you through the process and get you fair compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These can be documented with receipts, invoices, and pay stubs. If you had to pay for surgeries or therapy because of a vehicle defect these are economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intangible. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are harder to quantify but are important to consider. For example, if a defective car part caused a serious injury that affects your daily activities you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering.
Factors that Affect Compensation
- Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries mean more compensation.
- Impact on Daily Life: If your injury affects your ability to work or enjoy hobbies this can increase your claim.
- Evidence of Negligence: Strong evidence that links the defect to the accident will help your case.
- State Laws: Different states have different laws on damages. Knowing these will help you gauge your compensation.
Consult With an Experienced Fayetteville Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by defective car parts, it’s important to consult with a product liability attorney to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. At Wade Law, our experienced team is ready to help you navigate the complexities of product liability cases and fight for justice on your behalf.
Contact us at 770-282-1188 for a free case review!
