Defective Auto Parts Can Cause an Accident: What to Do If You're Injured

When you buy a car, you expect it to run well for years and years. You trust that the manufacturer has done its due diligence in testing and inspecting the parts that make up your car. You rely on them to put safety as a top priority when designing and assembling the vehicle. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes defective auto parts can cause an accident. If you are injured as a result of defective auto parts, what should you do?

But first, let's take a look at how accidents caused by defective auto parts can happen.

What Parts Mostly Cause Car Accidents?

There are a variety of auto parts that, if defective, can cause an accident.

1. Tires

Tires are one of the most common parts to be involved in accidents caused by defective auto parts. Tires can be defective in a number of ways. For example, the tread on the tire may be too worn down and no longer offer good traction. The tire may also have a sidewall defect or be missing a valve stem.

2. Airbags

If an airbag deploys when it shouldn't, or doesn't deploy when it should, serious injuries can result. Airbags can also be defective in the way they are manufactured, such as having too much or too little pressure, which can cause them to deploy incorrectly.

3. Seatbelts

Your seatbelt is what keeps you secured in your seat in the event of an accident. If the seatbelt is defective, it can fail to properly restrain you, leading to serious injuries. Seatbelts can be defective if the webbing is frayed or torn, the buckle is faulty, or the retractor is not working properly.

4. Brakes

If your brakes are not working correctly, it can obviously lead to an accident. Brake defects can include everything from worn-out brake pads to leaks in the hydraulic system.

5. Steering and Suspension

Defective steering and suspension components can cause a loss of control of the vehicle. This is especially dangerous at high speeds. Common steering and suspension defects include worn-out shocks, broken springs, and loose steering components.

6. Fuel System

A defective fuel system can cause a fire or explosion. This is obviously very dangerous and can lead to serious injuries. Fuel system defects can include cracks or holes in the fuel tank, leaks in the fuel lines, or a faulty fuel pump.

7. Electrical System

The electrical system in your car powers everything from the headlights to the engine. If there is a problem with the electrical system, it can cause all sorts of problems. A defective electrical system can cause stalling, starting problems, and even a loss of power steering.

8. Engine

A defective engine can cause all sorts of problems. If the engine is not working properly, it can cause the car to stall or to catch fire. A defective engine can also cause an accident if it fails while the car is in motion.

These are just some of the most common ways that accidents can be caused by defective auto parts. As you can see, any number of things can go wrong, and when they do, the results can be serious.

What Malfunctions of a Car Can Cause an Accident?

There are many different ways that a car can malfunction and cause an accident.

1. Stalling

One way is by stalling. If your engine cuts out while you're driving, it can obviously lead to an accident. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a defective fuel system or electrical system.

2. Loss of Power Steering

Another way a car can malfunction and cause an accident is by losing power steering. If you lose power steering, it can be very difficult to control the car, especially at high speeds. This can obviously lead to an accident. This problem is usually caused by a defective electrical system.

3. Brake Failure

Brake failure is another malfunction that can cause an accident. If your brakes fail, you will not be able to stop the car, and this can obviously lead to an accident. Brake failure can be caused by a number of things, such as worn-out brake pads or a leak in the hydraulic system.

4. Tire Blowout

As we mentioned before, a tire blowout can cause an accident. This is because it can be very difficult to control the car when one of the tires blows out. A tire blowout can be caused by a number of things, such as a defective tire or a missing valve stem.

5. Airbag Deployment

When an airbag deploys, it can cause an accident. This is because the airbag can deploy with such force that it knocks the driver off course, and this can obviously lead to an accident. Airbag deployment can be caused by a number of things, such as a defective sensor or a faulty wiring harness.

6. Electrical Fire

If an electrical fire starts in the engine, it can quickly spread to the rest of the car. This can obviously lead to an accident. An electrical fire can be caused by a number of things, such as a short circuit or a defective battery.

7. Loss of Control

If the car starts to spin out of control, it can obviously lead to an accident. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a defective tire or a slippery road surface.

8. Headlight Failure

If one of your headlights fails, it can obviously lead to an accident. This is because it can be very difficult to see the road, and this can obviously lead to an accident. Headlight failure can be caused by a number of things, such as a defective bulb or a faulty wiring harness.

Who to Hold Responsible If You Are Injured in an Accident Caused by a Defective Auto Part

If you are injured in an accident caused by a defective auto part, you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible. This is because manufacturers have a duty to produce safe products. If they breach this duty and their product causes an accident, they can be held liable.

You may also be able to hold the mechanic responsible if they installed a defective part. This is because mechanics have a duty to install parts properly. If they breach this duty and their negligence causes an accident, they can be held liable.

Most of the time, you will be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer. This is because they are the ones who made the defective product. However, you may also be able to file a negligence claim against the mechanic if they installed the part improperly.

What To Do If You're Injured in an Accident Caused by a Defective Auto Part

If you are injured in an accident caused by a defective auto part, there are a few things you should do:

1. Get medical attention: The first thing you should do is get medical attention. This is because your health should be your number one priority. Your injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it is important to get checked out by a doctor.

2. Take pictures of the accident scene: If you are able, you should take pictures of the accident scene. This is because the pictures can be used as evidence in your case. Or, if you are not able to take pictures, you should ask someone to do it for you.

3. Gather evidence: You should also try to gather evidence that can be used in your case. This can include things like the police report, witness statements, and medical records.

4. Speak to a lawyer: It is also a good idea to speak to a car accident lawyer. This is because a lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also help you build a strong case.

If you are injured in an accident caused by a defective auto part, you may be able to hold the manufacturer or mechanic responsible. You should get medical attention and gather evidence. You should also speak to a car accident lawyer to understand your legal rights and options.

Compensation for Car Accidents Caused by Defective Auto Parts

If you are injured in an accident caused by a defective auto part, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. This can include things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries.

To get the compensation you deserve, you will need to prove that the accident was caused by a defective auto part. You will also need to prove that you were injured in the accident. The best way to do this is to hire a lawyer. The car accident attorneys can help you gather evidence and build a strong case.

Contact Us Today for Help

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a defective auto part, we can help. Our experienced car accident lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.