Dealing with Defective Automobile Parts After a Car Crash
If defective automobile parts cause a car accident in California, the injured party may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the manufacturer. In such cases, the injured party would have to prove that the defective part was the direct cause of the accident and their injuries.
Suppose you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident in California due to defective automobile parts. In that case, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights and options is important.
How Can You Prove Defective Automobile Parts Caused Your Accident
To prove an auto part defect caused an accident, the injured party or their attorney gathers evidence such as the police report, witness statements and any relevant documentation related to the defective part. They may also retain experts such as mechanics or accident reconstruction specialists to provide testimony and analysis. Accident reconstruction and video surveillance tapes add additional support.
Our firm uses investigators and experts in the automotive field to inspect the vehicle for defective automobile parts. This is why preserving the vehicle is crucial after the accident. If the car is not preserved, as often happens, the chance to do this is lost forever.
Strict Liability in California
In California, strict liability can apply to manufacturers, distributors and retailers of defective auto parts. Strict liability means that these parties can be held responsible for injuries or damages caused by a faulty product. To prove strict liability in a defective auto parts case, the plaintiff must demonstrate the following:
- The defendant designed, manufactured, distributed or sold the product.
- The product was defective when it left the defendant’s control.
- The defect rendered the plaintiff’s injury or damages.
- The plaintiff used the product without modification at the time of the injury or damages.
- The defect can be in the design, manufacture or warning, and the fault does not have to be the sole cause of the injury or damages.
If the plaintiff can prove strict liability, they may be entitled to compensation for related expenses. An experienced personal injury attorney can help if you have been injured due to a defective auto part, as these cases can be complex and challenging to prove.
What Types of Accidents Are Common in a Collision Caused by Defective Auto Parts
Accidents caused by defective auto parts can occur in a variety of ways and can result in different types of collisions. Some of the most common types of accidents that can be caused by defective auto parts include:
- Rollover accidents: Defective tires, suspension systems or roofing can cause a vehicle to roll over, resulting in serious injuries.
- Brake failure accidents: If a vehicle’s brakes fail, it can result in a collision with other cars or objects, such as a tree or building.
- Engine failure accidents: Engine failure can cause a vehicle to stall in the middle of the road, leading to a collision with other cars.
- Steering failure accidents: If a vehicle’s steering system fails, it can result in a loss of control and a collision.
- Accelerator pedal malfunction accidents: A malfunctioning accelerator pedal can cause a vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably, leading to a collision.
- Airbag failure accidents: If an airbag fails to deploy during a collision, it can result in serious injuries to the vehicle’s occupants.
Filing a Claim for Defective Auto Parts
Suppose it is determined that defective parts were the cause of the accident. In that case, the manufacturer could be held liable for any injuries, damages and losses sustained by the injured party. Damages may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other related costs.
In California, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning that the injured party has a limited time to file a claim. The injured party may lose the right to pursue a claim if the statute of limitations expires. Your car accident attorney can ensure that all documents are filed on time.
It is important to note that even if a defective auto part is identified as the cause of an accident, it can still be challenging to determine the exact extent of the manufacturer’s liability. An experienced personal injury attorney can help to gather evidence and build a strong case on behalf of the injured party.
California Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a California car accident lawyer. Call us immediately if you or a family member has been injured in a car crash due to defective automobile parts. You can reach us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also contact us online to schedule a free case review where our injury lawyers will answer your questions, examine the accident and provide options for your consideration.
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