If you are involved in an accident caused by a vehicle defect, it can be incredibly overwhelming, as you are likely unsure of who you can hold accountable for your damages. In general, you are able to hold a car manufacturer liable for damages caused by faulty brakes, defective airbags, or inherently unsafe designs. Under New York product liability law, manufacturers must ensure their vehicles are safe before they enter the market. As such, you must show that the vehicle was defective, the defect existed when the vehicle left the manufacturer, and you were injured as a result of the defect in order for your claim to be valid in accordance with New York law. Please continue reading to learn whether or not you can hold a car manufacturer liable for an accident and how a determined New York City Car Accident Lawyer can guide you during these complicated matters.
What Are the Most Common Vehicle Defects?
It’s important to understand that a product can be defective because there’s an error in manufacturing, because the product is designed poorly, or because the manufacturer doesn’t provide sufficient warnings or instructions on how to use it correctly.
Common Types of Vehicle Defects
- Airbag defects: Failure to deploy or improper deployment, ultimately worsening injuries
- Seatbelt defects: Malfunctioning restraints that fail during a collision
- Tire defects: Blowouts or separation of the tread can result in the driver losing control of the vehicle
- Faulty brakes: When unable to stop, the risk of a crash increases significantly
- Electrical system problems: Malfunctions can impact lights, sensors, and ignition systems
- Faulty steering systems: Drivers may lose control if steering systems fail
- Acceleration problems: Sudden, unintended acceleration or failed acceleration can result in a collision
- Defective transmissions: Gears may fail or slip
How Vehicle Defects Cause or Worsen Accidents
Unfortunately, defects within your vehicle can lead to an accident in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, or any area in or around New York City. For instance, if your vehicle has faulty brakes, it significantly increases the risk of accidents due to your inability to stop properly. In addition, if you were injured by a negligent driver, and your faulty airbags don’t deploy, it can result in you sustaining more serious injuries than if they had deployed. As you can see, vehicle defects not only cause accidents, but malfunctions of critical systems can make a collision worse than it otherwise would have been.
Can the Car Manufacturer Face Liability for an Accident Caused By a Defect?
In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a collision caused by a defect with your vehicle, it’s important to understand that the car manufacturer can face liability for the damages you have endured. This is because it’s their responsibility to ensure the vehicles they produce are safe to enter the market.
These cases are commonly pursued under product liability law, which allows injured victims to seek compensation from manufacturers and other liable parties.
When a Manufacturer Can Be Held Liable
- The vehicle had a design defect, rendering it inherently unsafe
- A manufacturing error caused the vehicle to veer from the design
- The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions
- You were harmed as a direct result of the defective condition
- The vehicle was used in a reasonable or foreseeable manner
Other Parties That May Share Liability
- Parts manufacturers responsible for defective components
- Distributors and wholesalers in the supply chain
- Dealerships that sell or fail to identify defective vehicles
- Mechanics and maintenance companies responsible for faulty or inadequate repairs
What Should You Do After an Accident in NYC Caused by a Defective Vehicle?
In the event you suffer an injury as a result of a defective vehicle in New York City or the surrounding metropolitan areas, taking the correct legal steps can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. Though an accident can be overwhelming, it’s in your best interest to remain as calm as possible to protect your legal rights.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Call 911 to request police and medical assistance at the scene
- Allow EMTs to evaluate you, even if you feel okay or injuries seem minor
- Obtain a copy of the police report
- Take photos and videos of the defective condition and your visible injuries
- Keep all repair records, notices, recalls, and the manufacturer’s book
- Do not provide formal statements to insurers before contacting an experienced attorney
Contact an Experienced New York City Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident because of another party’s negligence in New York City, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced lawyer from The Bàez Legal Group. We understand how devastating it can be to learn that the accident you were involved in was entirely preventable. Our legal team is prepared to help you navigate your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can assist you during these tough times.
