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Nearly every person in the United States relies on motor vehicles for transportation. Drivers and passengers have a reasonable expectation that their vehicles are safe. However, sometimes a vehicle or tire defect can cause serious accidents. If you were injured in an accident as a result of vehicle or tire defects, call our New Orleans automotive and tire defects attorneys for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Any part of a vehicle could contain faulty parts. However, not every part has the potential to cause car accidents. The United States Code for Motor Vehicle Safety separates defects into safety-related and non-safety-related categories. Common vehicle parts considered safety-related include:
When any of these components fail to operate properly, a driver may lose control of the vehicle or be unable to navigate safely. In some cases, it may not be just one part that’s defective, but the whole vehicle. Improper vehicle design can cause accidents, such as some top-heavy vehicles produced during the 1980’s. Because of inadequate design, these vehicles were prone to rollover accidents, even at low speeds, resulting in a complete recall of the vehicle.
In contrast, vehicle components can be non-safety-related. These include features such as air conditioning, radios, rust, and paint quality. While defects may occur in these parts, they are not likely to be the cause of an accident.
Sometimes, a manufacturer may have issued a recall, but drivers are unaware and leave defective parts unrepaired. This puts not only the driver at risk but also others as well. It is important for drivers to stay up-to-date on any relevant recalls for their vehicles and tires and upon learning of an issued recall notice, should act accordingly.
Parts can still be defective even when no recall exists. Drivers should conduct regular maintenance on their vehicles and pay attention to any warning signs of defective products. For example, defective tire accidents are preventable by a driver being on the lookout for unusual bubbles, wear and tear, visible steel threads, and pressure issues.
Proper reporting of any problems noticed with parts during maintenance contributes to the recall process. One driver’s vigilance can help thousands of others, with the same vehicle or part, avoid a defect-based accident.
Personal injury cases usually require the plaintiff to prove that their accident was the result of another party’s negligence. In cases involving defective parts, the plaintiff must prove that:
Beyond proving a defect, some cases can progress through proof that the defective part or vehicle violates the written warranty or the state’s minimum standards for vehicle components.
When it comes to factory defects, the automobile manufacturer is responsible for any injuries and accidents that occur due to the defective part(s). While tire and vehicle manufacturers have made strides over the years to ensure the safety of their products, accidents due to defects still occur.
If you have suffered an injury due to an automotive or tire defect, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact us today to discuss your case. Having the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. on your side means that you’ll be receiving compassionate and dedicated legal help in protecting your rights.