When you own or lease a vehicle in Sandy Springs, it should operate as expected. The design and manufacturing of the vehicle should prevent unnecessary harm. However, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, vehicle defects can lead to serious car accidents.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident caused by the defective design or manufacture of a vehicle or its components, talk to a lawyer. You might deserve full compensation for your accident costs and more. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll review your case and make sure you know your options.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation. There is no charge to you unless we win your case.
Common Vehicle Design or Manufacturing Defects
Cars and trucks have many moving parts. If one thing goes wrong, it can cause an accident at any time. Issues can happen with personal cars, commercial trucks, and everything in between.
Common vehicle defects that lead to accidents include:
- Brake defects
- Tire or wheel defects
- Steering defects
- Airbag defects
- Seat belt defects
- Transmission issues
- Suspension defects
- Cruise control defects
Most drivers don’t think too much about defective vehicle parts. They assume the designer, manufacturer, and seller produced a safe vehicle. Sadly, we typically only hear about serious defects after they’ve caused many injuries.
Drivers can check for any safety issues or recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Even with the availability of this database, though, defects can happen that can affect a single car or truck.
If a defect might have caused your accident, it’s important to investigate the cause. One or more parties might be at fault for your accident and injury costs. Since these types of cases are complicated, it’s best to speak with a lawyer who can help you.
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Where to Seek Compensation After the Accident
After an accident, you can seek compensation from the at-fault party. That could be:
- The vehicle manufacturer
- The vehicle parts manufacturer
- A dealership
- A vehicle products store
Here are some ways that defective vehicle parts can lead to a legal case.
Defective Vehicle Manufacturing
Manufacturing defects typically occur during manufacturing. Often, a defect happens when the manufacturer is trying to save money. The company might switch to a different component or material that isn’t as safe.
Manufacturing defects don’t always show up right away. Over time, the part can start to deteriorate or break down and lead to an accident. The part might even catch fire or cause injuries in other ways.
In this situation, the vehicle or parts manufacturer is probably liable for the accident and injuries.
Defective Vehicle Designs
Poor vehicle design can easily cause a car accident or injuries. A defective design might make the vehicle dangerous for drivers and passengers.
Like manufacturing defects, design defects don’t always show up instantly. They could lead to an accident soon after the driver purchases the car, but it might also be years before a problem occurs.
The company that made the vehicle could be liable for this type of accident. Sometimes, a dealership or seller can be partially at fault. They might have known (or should have known) that the vehicle had a design defect.
Failure to Warn About a Defect
Manufacturers should warn users if there are dangers with their product. If a company fails to warn about an issue, they could be liable for a resulting accident.
At John Foy & Associates, we can investigate what caused your car accident. Manufacturing and design defects are often hard to track down. You’ll probably need help from a legal professional who can get to the root of the issue.
Contact us today to discuss your accident during a free consultation. We’ll review the details and talk about what type of compensation you deserve. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
Damages in a Car Accident Caused by Vehicle Defects
The responsible party in a car accident is liable for the damages. If you were injured, you’ll need to know your total losses from the crash. Common damages include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
Some damages are more straightforward to prove than others. You can verify your medical costs and lost wages through bills and other receipts. There’s less the insurance company can challenge—although they will try.
Pain and suffering damages are different. These losses are about how the accident impacts your life. You’ll want to work with a lawyer to determine the value of your physical and emotional suffering.
How to File a Successful Car Accident Claim
If a defective vehicle or part caused your accident, you probably have a product liability claim. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §51-1-11, a manufacturer is liable for injuries to anyone who “may use, consume, or reasonably be affected” by the product. A defective vehicle was not reasonably safe for its use when it was sold.
Also, the injury victim of a vehicle defect usually doesn’t need to prove fault. However, talk to a lawyer to be sure about the requirements for your case. You will likely just need to prove that:
- The vehicle had a defect when it left the manufacturer.
- The vehicle or its component was used as the manufacturer intended.
- The defect led to your injuries.
Taking on a product liability case is complicated. It’s best to speak with an experienced lawyer ahead of time to ensure everything is in order. Contact a Sandy Springs car accident lawyer today to learn more.
Consult with a Sandy Springs Car Accident Lawyer Today
At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We know what it takes to handle vehicle defect cases in the Sandy Springs area. As one of the largest and most respected law firms in Georgia, we’re here to help after your accident.
Our lawyers can make sure you file a claim or lawsuit within the deadline. We’ll also build the strongest claim possible for what you deserve. Plus, our team does not charge a fee unless we win you money.
To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
