- March 15, 2024
As a car owner, you expect your vehicle to be safely designed and built to avoid accidents. However, a defective design or manufacturing flaw can sometimes lead to a crash. But how can manufacturer liability be determined in such a situation? A Buffalo car accident lawyer can analyze and investigate the causes of the accident and help you build a strong case against the manufacturer, if needed.
Manufacturing Defects That Cause Accidents
Manufacturing defects refer to flaws or errors introduced during the vehicle’s production process. These defects can compromise the safety and performance of the vehicle, potentially causing accidents that lead to injury. As the vehicle owner, you may be entitled to compensation if a manufacturing defect caused your accident.
Faulty Airbags
Airbags are a critical safety feature so defects can be extremely dangerous. If your airbags fail to deploy properly in an accident, the manufacturer may be liable.
Brake Failure
Brake defects are also extremely hazardous and can easily lead to car accidents. Problems like brake pads that wear out prematurely, brake lines that leak fluid, or faulty anti-lock brake systems can all cause brake failure. If a brake defect caused your accident, you may have a claim against the manufacturer.
Power Steering Loss
Losing power steering capability can make a vehicle very difficult to control and lead to a crash. Defects in the power steering pump, gearbox, or other components that result in a sudden loss of power steering while driving may constitute a manufacturing flaw.
Unintended Acceleration
Unintended acceleration refers to a vehicle accelerating without the driver pressing the gas pedal. It can be caused by defects like stuck throttle bodies, loose floor mats that jam the pedals, or faulty electronic throttle control systems. Unintended acceleration is extremely dangerous and can lead to high-speed crashes.
Failure to Warn About Safety Hazards
As a vehicle manufacturer, a company is responsible for ensuring its products are safe for consumers. This means properly testing for any potential hazards or defects before making the vehicle available for purchase. However, even with rigorous testing, some safety issues may not become apparent until the vehicle has been on the road for some time.
In these cases, the manufacturer must warn vehicle owners about the hazard as soon as they become aware of the issue. Warnings may come in the form of recall notices, advising owners to bring their vehicle to a dealer for necessary repairs or part replacements to fix the problem.
Sometimes, a manufacturer may even face punitive damages for willful failure to notify owners and correct a dangerous flaw in their vehicles. When it comes to product safety, inaction can be just as damaging as the defect itself.
Reach Out to a Buffalo Car Accident Lawyer About Your Manufacturer Liability Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a vehicle defect, you should contact an experienced Buffalo car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. The lawyer can review the specifics of your case, determine if the vehicle manufacturer may be legally responsible, and advise you on the best course of action to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
Given the complex issues surrounding manufacturer liability claims, it’s important to have an attorney experienced in this area of the law on your side, to help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact our law firm at (716) 261-2614 to arrange a free initial consultation!
