Motor vehicles are designed to meet certain safety standards and regulations. Auto parts, from airbags to tires, play an important role in making a vehicle operational and safe for a motorist. Unfortunately, sometimes parts can be defective, posing a serious risk to occupants and others on the road in the event that they malfunction.
If you suspect a defective product caused your injuries, contact the legal team William Mattar, P.C. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help injured clients get started on their accident claims. Call 844-noswap444-4444 today.
Types of Defects
Defects do not just affect motor vehicles – they span many industries. However, there are few different types of product defects that can create liability for manufacturers and suppliers. These include:
- Design: A design defect is a flaw that is inherent in a product’s design, and therefore exists before it is manufactured/constructed. One example of a well-known recall involving a product with a design defect is the Takata airbag recall.
- Manufacturing: A manufacturing defect is a flaw that occurs during the production of a product and may only affect a few out of many items of the same type (such as only a few models of the same vehicle).
- Marketing: A marketing defect refers to “improper instructions and failures to warn” consumers of the dangers of a particular item or product.
When it comes to cars, just about any part can potentially be impacted by a defect. This includes tires, airbags, car seats, steering systems, accelerator controls, fuel systems, gas tanks, suspension systems, seatbacks, car doors, and windows.
How Do You Know if Your Car Has a Defect?
There are a few ways to discover whether your vehicle has an auto defect. When an auto part is defective, companies such as vehicle manufacturers may issue a “recall” to notify consumers of the potential risks. If your vehicle is defective, the manufacturer may offer to replace or repair the defective product to remedy the problem. To check if your car is under an active recall, you can also visit NHTSA.com and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Unfortunately, some drivers do not know if their car has a defect until it causes an injury or a motor vehicle accident. Parts that malfunction, such as airbags, may display signs that they are defective. An airbag that fails to deploy in a serious crash can be potentially defective. If it’s determined that the airbag was in fact faulty, the company responsible for designing, constructing, or selling the airbag may be liable.
Why Hire a Rochester Product Liability Attorney?
If you’ve been injured by a defective product, you may be wondering whether you need the help of a lawyer. Rochester product liability cases can be complex, especially when there is a large company or automaker involved. These cases can involve gathering crucial evidence, filing documents, and negotiating with insurance companies to reach a final settlement or outcome. Without the help of an accident attorney, getting the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering can be overwhelming and difficult.
The product liability attorneys at William Mattar P.C. can handle all of the legal details for you, so you can focus on recovery. We know the laws and can work to get you maximum compensation after your accident.
Contact William Mattar, P.C. Today
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a motor vehicle defect, contact William Mattar, P.C. today. Our Rochester team handles a variety of product liability cases, and we can help you file a claim for compensation. Schedule an initial consultation today by submitting our free online consultation form or calling 844-noswap444-4444