If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by a defective car part, it is important to seek legal assistance from a Chicago car auto defect lawyer. The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers represents individuals who have been injured due to defective car parts.
If you were injured in a Chicago auto accident that was caused by a defective automobile, discuss your case with a Chicago car defect lawyer at our law firm.
What Are Auto Defects?
Common vehicle defects are flaws or malfunctions in a vehicle that can cause it to operate unsafely or not as intended. These manufacturing defects may exist in various parts of the vehicle, including the engine, brakes, tires, steering system, and more. Defective motor vehicle manufacturing could include:
- Faulty airbags
- Defective tires
- Faulty fuel systems
- Brake failure
- Steering malfunctions
- Seat belt failure
Auto defects can lead to serious accidents and injuries, and it is the responsibility of vehicle manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe for use on the road.
What to Do if You’ve Been in an Accident Caused by a Defective Car Part
If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by a defective vehicle or car part, it is important to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. Car accident injuries that initially seem minor could worsen over time and what might seem like bumps and bruises could actually be head or spinal cord injuries.
- Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses related to your injuries.
- Do not accept a settlement from the insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first.
- Contact a Chicago car defect lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Holding a Vehicle Manufacturer Liable for Motor Vehicle Defects and Flaws After an Accident
Manufacturers are mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to adhere to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards when producing vehicles.
These standards dictate minimum performance requirements for key safety features in passenger cars, such as airbags, brakes, and tires. If a vehicle manufacturer inadvertently or intentionally sells a defective car that leads to an accident, they may be financially liable for accidents caused by the defective auto parts in a product liability lawsuit.
If the Manufacturer Knew About the Vehicle Defects
If auto manufacturers knowingly circulated vehicles with safety defects such as faulty safety features, flawed tires, faulty brakes, malfunctioning airbags, or seat belt failures, they can be held liable if an accident occurs. On occasion, these corporations may choose to continue marketing these faulty vehicles to avoid correcting the errors or risking damage to their reputation.
If the Manufacturer Was Unaware of the Vehicle Defects
Even if car manufacturers were oblivious to a defect during production, they remain financially accountable for accidents caused by defective products or such faults.
Despite mandatory inspections and tests to identify potential flaws pre-sale, some defects might still escape the automobile manufacturers’ detection. Therefore, they remain liable for accident-related costs, even when unaware of the hazardous defect.
If a Recall Was Issued
Even if a manufacturer identifies a defect in motor vehicles and issues a recall, you may still be eligible to sue for damages following an accident. It’s advisable to consult a Chicago manufacturer defect accident lawyer to explore compensation possibilities for accidents involving recalled, defective vehicles.
Examples of Auto Defects that Threaten Drivers’ Safety
According to NHTSA, in 2022, there were 932 vehicle safety recalls affecting more than 30.8 million vehicles in the United States.
Auto defects the NHTSA says could jeopardize drivers’ safety include:
- Fragile steering components that break easily
- Issues with fuel system components
- An accelerator control that breaks or will not move
- Engine cooling fans that are broken or break too easily
- Wheels that crack or bend easily
- Seats that collapse upon impact
- Car ramps that collapse when they are being used properly and for their intended purpose
- Airbags that deploy unexpectedly or not at all
- Seat belts that fail during an accident
If a manufacturer hasn’t ensured your vehicle’s safety and defect-free condition, they can be held accountable for their negligence.
How an Auto Defects Attorney Can Help
An experienced auto defects attorney can guide you through the legal process and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. They will investigate your case, gather evidence, and determine the extent of the liability of the auto manufacturer itself. An auto defect attorney can also handle negotiations with insurance companies or represent you in court if necessary.
Recoverable Damages in a Product Liability Claim
A Chicago manufacturing accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your:
- Medical bills, both present and future: Costs for immediate and ongoing healthcare.
- Lost income: Earnings lost due to inability to work.
- Reduced future earning capacity: Decreased potential to earn in future.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress endured.
- Disability: Long-term impairment hampering normal functioning.
- Property damage costs: Expenses for repairing or replacing property.
- Impaired quality of life: Reduced enjoyment or satisfaction in life.
- Disfigurement: Permanent change to appearance post-accident.
Contact a Chicago Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
If you believe that your vehicle contained a defective part that caused you to get hurt, contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. You can explore your legal options with one of our Chicago car manufacturer defect accident lawyers at no cost to you.
Illinois’s statute of limitations may affect how long you have to take legal action, so we encourage you to reach out to our team as soon as you can. Do not miss out on the opportunity to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
During a free consultation, our experienced motor vehicle defect lawyers will review your case, answer your questions, and discuss potential legal strategies to seek financial compensation. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee arrangement, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
(312) 223-1700