Can I Sue a Manufacturer if a Defect Caused My Accident?

It may be a knee-jerk reaction to assume another motorist’s negligence caused your crash. While this is the case in most instances, some accidents are beyond the driver’s control. Their vehicle could have failed as a result of a defect. If you believe your car accident was caused by a defective vehicle part, it’s in your best interest to contact our determined Morris County Personal Injury Attorneys who can help you navigate your options. Please continue reading to learn whether you can hold a manufacturer liable for your injuries. 

What Are Common Vehicle Defects?

When it comes to product liability claims in New Jersey, there are generally three types of defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and warning/instruction defects. A design defect occurs when the actual design of the product is inherently unsafe. Manufacturing defects occur during the construction or production of the product. Defects in marketing occur when a product lacks critical warning labels or instructions, making it unreasonably unsafe for normal use. The following include some of the most common defects in cars:

• Airbag defects
• Brake defects
• Defective airbags
• Defective lights
• Defective transmission
• Faulty wiring
• Steering defects
• Tire defects

While this is an extensive list of common vehicle defects, it’s not exclusive. Unfortunately, various defects can lead to a collision. For instance, if you have faulty brakes it can be difficult to stop the vehicle. It’s important to note that if you are involved in a crash, a defect can potentially make matters worse. If you are struck by a negligent driver, for example, but your airbags don’t deploy, it can result in sustaining more serious injuries than if they had.

Can I Hold a Car Manufacturer Liable for Injuries Caused By a Defect?

To have a valid claim, you need to prove that the product had a defect in either its design, manufacturing, or warnings which directly contributed to your collision. Essentially, you must demonstrate a link between the product defect and your injuries. The manufacturer of the defective product can be held liable for an accident if the defect in the vehicle directly caused the crash or worsened its outcome. This is because it was their responsibility to ensure the vehicle was safe to enter the market. Although vehicles undergo various safety tests, issues with the manufacturing system can arise in a vehicle after it’s released to the public, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate.

Determining liability for a defective product in a car accident can be challenging. At Lutz Injury Law, we are prepared to help you fight for the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Our team can help you investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to establish fault. Connect with our firm today to discuss your case.