Injury From Defective Auto Parts in Charlotte, NC
Car accidents occur for a variety of reasons, from a driver’s negligence to defective auto parts and system failures in a person’s vehicle. The latter can be incredibly frustrating since neither driver was to blame. In situations where an individual sustained an injury from defective auto parts, it can be difficult to navigate fault and liability, leaving the victim unsure of where to turn for help.
At Edwards Injury Law, we established our personal injury law practice to help victims of accidents and ensure that they are able to obtain the compensation they deserve. We accomplish this goal through our focused diligence, creative strategizing, and compassionate approach. Above all, we seek to uphold justice for our clients and ensure that their needs and goals are met during the personal injury claims process. To learn more about how we can impact your individual case, consider contacting our Charlotte-based office today.
How Often Do Accidents Occur Due to Defective Auto Parts?
According to a report from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, over 3,000 accidents happened in 2020 alone due to defective vehicle equipment. Of these accidents, at least 20 fatalities were recorded and another 800 injuries occurred as a result. While these accidents are not excessively common they still do occur on a regular basis and, in some cases, result in serious injuries or death.
What is a Safety-Related Defect?
Title 49, Chapter 301 of the United States Code for Motor Vehicle Safety defines motor safety as the performance of a vehicle or equipment in a way that protects the public from unreasonable risk of accidents due to the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle. A defect is essentially an issue that exists within the motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment that poses an unreasonable risk. Defects are typically found among a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture. Fortunately, it is possible to locate information on recalls and safety issues online, from the comfort of your home.
Where to Find Information on Recalls & Safety Issues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a database of safety issues and recalls, wherein a person can use their vehicle’s VIN to search for recalls and defective auto parts. This can be a helpful tool to avoid potential accidents and injury from defective auto parts. Similarly, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission has a similar tool to help individuals identify recalls before they become an issue on the road. These are two valuable sources for information on recalls and safety issues pertaining to vehicles and auto parts.
What Are the Most Common Types of Defective Auto Parts?
Auto part defects can be either safety-related or non-safety-related. Non-safety-related issues include air-conditioners or radios that work improperly or ordinary wear of equipment that must be inspected and maintained periodically, for example. Some of the most common safety-related defects in auto parts include the following:
- Issues with steering components, causing partial or total loss of control
- Leaking fuel system components that make a vehicle susceptible to crash damage
- Breaking or sticking accelerator controls
- Wheels that break or crack, causing loss of control
- Engine cooling fan blades that break unexpectedly
- Failures in windshield wiper assemblies
- Seats failing to work under proper conditions
- Wiring system problems
- Improper airbag deployment
- Defective safety buckles, belts, or other components
Any time a critical component of the vehicle breaks, falls apart, or separates from the vehicle, this may be considered a defective auto part. Chiefly, if the defect causes loss of control of the vehicle or potential injury to those inside or outside the car, this can be considered a major safety issue. When a person purchases a vehicle or a vehicle part, they are entering into an agreement with the manufacturer that the product meets minimum safety standards. As such, the manufacturer may be held liable for any injury resulting from defective auto parts.
Determining Fault & Navigating the Defective Auto Parts Claims Process
If you experienced an injury from defective auto parts, you may be wondering how fault is determined in these cases and how to initiate and navigate the defective auto parts claims process. Fortunately, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Edwards Injury Law has a great deal of experience in handling these cases and securing proper compensation for victims of such accidents.
First and foremost, it is important to note that if a vehicle component fails to meet established safety standards, an injured person may seek compensation against the manufacturer or other relevant party within the supply chain. This can be either a strict liability claim or a breach of product warranty, depending on the situation. Product liability claims are incredibly complex, however, and it is often necessary to conduct a thorough investigation to prove fault.
Vehicle owners are responsible for keeping their car in good condition and scheduling service for any known recalls. In some cases, the existence of a recall is not obvious, and a more detailed look at who is at fault for the accident is necessary. Following an accident, it can be helpful to research any relevant recalls on the vehicle or vehicle component. There are millions of auto part recalls every year, but many times recalls do not happen until many accidents and injuries have occurred as a result of the defect.
Considering that most automobile companies have dedicated teams of lawyers and insurance companies working to protect their interests, navigating the auto parts claim process alone can be daunting. An experienced attorney can help identify the proper path for obtaining compensation and ensure that your case is handled fairly.
Seeking Compensation with Edwards Injury Law
Experiencing an injury from defective auto parts can be incredibly scary, leading to devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Many times, the ability to collect compensation from a product manufacturer depends on the evidence available in the case. For this reason, it is important to act quickly following an accident and collect relevant evidence as swiftly and carefully as possible. Juggling mounting medical bills, emotional distress, and physical injury can make this difficult, however, leading many to seek professional legal assistance.
We have experience evaluating accident reports, reviewing the evidence available from the scene of the accident, and determining which parties can be held accountable due to defective auto part crashes. Relying on our vast knowledge of personal injury law, we have been able to successfully navigate these cases for our clients. To learn more about how we can help you or your loved one secure compensation following a defective auto part-related accident, consider contacting our office today.