When your vehicle fails you due to a manufacturer's error, the aftermath can leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed. If you're searching for a Buffalo motor vehicle product liability lawyer, at William Mattar Law Offices, we understand the hardships you're experiencing after an auto defect incident. Our team is here to support you through this difficult time and help you seek maximum compensation.
Auto defects can encompass a range of issues, from faulty brakes to malfunctioning airbags and more. These defects not only put your safety at risk but can also result in severe injuries, property damage, and significant financial burdens. As you grapple with medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with uncooperative manufacturers or dealerships, remember that you don't have to face this alone.
Our dedicated attorneys at William Mattar Law Offices have experience handling vehicle product liability cases. We're committed to fighting for your rights and helping to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don't let large corporations or insurance companies take advantage of you – let us be your advocate and guide you through the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Table of contents
- Common Types of Auto Defects
- How to Know If Your NY Vehicle Has a Defect
- What You Should Do If You Discover a Defect with Your Car in New York
- How a NY Product Liability Attorney can help
- Why William Mattar Law Offices Is the Right Choice to Handle Your NY Auto Defect Claim
- The Types of Compensation We Can Help You Get
- NY Auto Defect Claims FAQs
- Get Help From a New York Auto Defect Attorney Now
Common Types of Auto Defects
Auto defects can manifest in various ways, each potentially compromising your safety on the road.
Defects in the Design
Design defects occur when a vehicle or its components have an inherent flaw in their conception. These issues exist from the beginning of the production process and affect all vehicles of that particular model. Examples of design defects include:
- Unstable vehicle design, leading to a high risk of rollovers
- Poorly designed fuel systems that increase the likelihood of fires in collisions
- Inadequate roof strength that fails to protect occupants during rollovers
- Faulty seat belt designs that fail to restrain passengers effectively
- Airbags that deploy spontaneously without a collision or inflate with too much force
Manufacturing or Installation Defects
Manufacturing defects can happen during the production or assembly process. Unlike design defects, these issues typically affect only a specific batch or subset of vehicles. Some examples of common manufacturing defects include:
- Improperly installed brakes or brake components
- Faulty wiring that can lead to electrical failures or fires
- Incorrectly assembled steering components
- Improperly secured tires or wheels
Defects in Marketing
Also known as "failure to warn" defects, marketing defects occur when manufacturers fail to provide adequate warnings or instructions about potential hazards associated with their vehicles. These can include:
- Insufficient warnings about the risks of using certain vehicle features
- Inadequate instructions for proper vehicle maintenance
- Misleading information about a vehicle's safety features or performance capabilities
- Failure to disclose known risks or defects to consumers
How to Know If Your NY Vehicle Has a Defect
Sometimes, auto defects fail catastrophically with no warning, causing immediate damage, accidents, and potential injuries and fatalities. Other times, though, the signs are subtle and may go unnoticed until a serious incident occurs. Here are some possible indicators that your vehicle might have a defect:
- Unusual noises: Persistent squealing, grinding, or rattling sounds could signal a problem with your vehicle's components.
- Strange odors: Unexplained smells, particularly burning odors, might indicate an issue with your vehicle's systems.
- Warning lights: Pay attention to dashboard warning lights, as they often signal potential defects or malfunctions.
- Reduced performance: If your vehicle suddenly loses power, stalls, or experiences a decrease in fuel efficiency, it could be due to a defect.
- Steering or braking issues: Difficulty steering or braking effectively might point to serious safety concerns.
- Recalls: Check if your vehicle model has been subject to any recalls. Manufacturers are required to notify owners, but sometimes these notifications get lost in the mail.
- Consistent problems: If you're experiencing recurring issues with your vehicle, even after repairs, this could possibly indicate a deeper problem.
What You Should Do If You Discover a Defect with Your Car in New York
If you suspect your vehicle has a defect, you should consider taking prompt action to protect your safety as well as your rights to pursue a legal claim. Some steps to consider include:
- Keep detailed records of all issues, including dates, descriptions of problems, and any communication with the dealership or manufacturer.
- Inform your dealership and the vehicle manufacturer about the problem in writing.
- Consider having an independent mechanic inspect your vehicle to confirm the defect.
- If possible, keep the defective part or vehicle in its current condition. This could serve as crucial evidence in your case.
- Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for any recalls related to your vehicle model.
- Report the defect to the NHTSA. This helps create an official record and may prompt further investigation.
- If the defect poses an immediate safety risk, stop using the vehicle until it's repaired.
- Contact a knowledgeable auto product liability attorney to discuss your legal options and potential compensation.
How a NY Product Liability Attorney can help
Dealing with auto defects involves navigating complex legal and technical issues. A skilled NY product liability attorney can provide invaluable assistance in several ways:
- Legal knowledge: Auto product liability laws are intricate. An experienced attorney understands these laws and how they apply to your specific case.
- Investigation skills: Lawyers have the resources to thoroughly investigate your claim, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiation power: Attorneys know how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies and manufacturers to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Court representation: If your case goes to trial, having a skilled lawyer by your side significantly improves your chance of a favorable outcome.
- Peace of mind: With a lawyer handling your case, you can focus on recovery while knowing your legal rights are protected.
- Maximizing compensation: An experienced attorney knows how to demonstrate the full extent of your damages, including future costs, to ensure you receive adequate compensation.
- Handling paperwork: Legal claims involve substantial paperwork. Your attorney will manage all necessary documentation, ensuring everything is filed correctly and on time.
Most auto product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay anything upfront or legal fees along the way. Your attorney only receives attorney fees if they recover compensation for you as a percentage of your award.
Why William Mattar Law Offices Is the Right Choice to Handle Your NY Auto Defect Claim
At William Mattar Law Offices, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and our track record of success in auto product liability cases.
- Our firm has experience handling auto-related cases, including those involving product defects. We understand the nuances of these cases and how to build strong arguments.
- We prioritize your needs and concerns throughout the legal process. Our team is always available to answer your questions and keep you informed about your case's progress.
- We have access to a network of experts, including automotive engineers and accident reconstruction specialists, who can provide crucial testimony to support your claim.
- Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who know how to deal with insurance companies and manufacturers to secure fair settlements for our clients.
- While many cases settle out of court, we're always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- As a Buffalo-based firm, we understand the local laws and court systems.
- We understand the stress and uncertainty you're facing.
The Types of Compensation We Can Help You Get
If you've been affected by an auto defect, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. At William Mattar Law Offices, we strive to recover all applicable damages for our clients, which may include:
- Medical expenses: This covers all costs related to your injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, we'll advocate for you to recover lost income, including potential future earnings if you're unable to return to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering: We'll seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you've experienced due to the auto defect.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries have impacted your ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies, we'll pursue compensation for this loss.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme, wanton conduct, we may seek punitive damages to punish the manufacturer and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Wrongful death damages: If you've lost a loved one due to an auto defect, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim where you can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: We'll work to recover any additional costs you've incurred due to the injuries.
NY Auto Defect Claims FAQs
How long do I have to file an auto defect claim in New York?
In New York, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is generally three years from the date of injury. However, exceptions may apply and very short notice of claim deadlines are possible, so you should consult an attorney as soon as possible.
What if the manufacturer claims I was partially at fault for the accident?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will work to minimize any claims of fault against you.
Can I still file a claim if my vehicle's warranty has expired?
Yes, you may still have a valid claim even if your warranty has expired. Product liability laws often extend beyond the warranty period, especially for serious defects that pose safety risks.
What if the defective part has been recalled?
A recall doesn't automatically disqualify you from seeking compensation. If you suffered injuries before the recall was issued, or if the recall didn't effectively address the defect, you may still have a valid claim. An experienced attorney can examine the unique situation.
How much will it cost to hire William Mattar Law Offices for my auto defect claim?
Like most personal injury attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay any upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you, and our fee is a percentage of the recovery. This arrangement allows you to get quality, experienced legal representation without worrying about how to pay for it.
Get Help From a New York Auto Defect Attorney Now
Don't let a defective vehicle derail your life or put your safety at risk. If you've been affected by an auto defect in Buffalo or anywhere in New York, William Mattar Law Offices is here to help. Our experienced team of attorneys is ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Take the first step towards justice and recovery today. Contact William Mattar Law Offices for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll review your case, answer your questions, and provide guidance on the best path forward. Remember, time is of the essence in these cases, so don't delay. Let us use our extensive experience and resources to help you get the best possible results from your motor vehicle defect claim.
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