When a car accident occurs, most people look toward driver error as the cause, since a driver’s negligence or recklessness is the most common cause of auto accidents in New York. However, some accidents are due to car manufacturing defects. 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. 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. The most common defects in vehicles include, but are by no means limited to the following:
- Airbag defects
- Seatbelt defects
- Tire defects
- Faulty brakes
- Electrical system problems
- Faulty steering systems
- Acceleration problems
- Defective transmissions
Unfortunately, defects within your vehicle can lead to an accident. 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. 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. Although vehicles undergo rigorous safety assessments, issues with the manufacturing can result in a vehicle being released to the public that is unsafe to operate. Therefore, if the manufacturer was negligent in designing or building the vehicle, they can be held liable for any injuries that result from their negligence. This includes a failure to design safe brakes, a faulty steering system, or other dangerous flaws that can lead to an accident.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident because of another party’s negligence, 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.
