Auto Defects

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable death and injury in the United States. Many of these wrecks are caused by reckless driving behaviors such as drunk driving, distracted driving, and aggressive driving. Yet, others occur because of inherent defects in the way the car or truck is designed, assembled, or marketed for consumer use. These defects cause minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises, or more serious, catastrophic injuries, such as those caused by the defective Takata airbags.

Takata Airbag Recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called the Takata airbag recall the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history. Takata airbags are used in millions of vehicles and were recalled after it was discovered that design flaws in the devices were causing the airbags to explode and send shrapnel flying throughout the vehicle. The Takata recall is just one example of how devastating an auto defect can be.

Types of Product Defects

Under the law, consumer products can be defective in three ways:

Design defects: Flaws inherent in the product or part’s design
Manufacturing defects: Problems in the way the product is assembled or manufactured
Marketing defects: Issues with the way a product is marketed or instructed to be used by the public

Determining who is liable for a serious auto wreck caused by a defective auto part depends upon what point in the distribution process the defect developed and what person or agency oversaw that process. For example, if a manufacturer became aware of a design defect in the auto glass they manufacture, yet continue to produce and sell that part, they can be held liable for injuries consumers suffer when that glass shatters.

Common Auto Defects

Common auto defects posing a risk to passengers include:

Airbags: Issues with spontaneous or delayed deployment
Brakes: Failure to stop as designed or presents issues with rapid acceleration
Fuel systems: Increased risk of fires and explosions
Seatbelts: Restraints that give way, break, or stop from locking during a crash
Steering: Faulty steering causes drivers to lose control of the vehicle
Tires: Risk of blowouts and rollover wrecks

Auto Defect Car Accidents

If you were injured in a wreck caused by an auto defect, it is important to record the circumstances surrounding your accident. Your priority after a crash should be to seek immediate medical care. If you are physically able to do so, take photos or video of the scene. If anyone witnessed the accident, document their observations and include their contact information.

It is important to gather as much information as possible at the scene of the crash. Making the connection between the unsafe auto part and your wreck is an important part of recovering compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses. Be sure to also keep track of all bills and records related to any medical treatment you receive, including physical therapy.

From there, contact a reputable Virginia Beach car accident lawyer with experience tackling challenging auto defect claims. Your personal injury lawyer will review the details of your wreck and guide you through every step of the claims process so you can focus on your physical well-being and recovery.

Our Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyers Handle Auto Defect Accident Claims

Auto defect cases are complex. Defective products that are widely used by the public may be the focus of a larger, class action lawsuit. If your wreck was caused by an isolated product flaw, our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers can help. At East Coast Trial Lawyers, we do all the groundwork necessary to prove how this defect caused your life-changing injuries. Call us at 757-352-2237 or contact us online today. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, we represent individuals nationwide, including those in Chesapeake, Eastern Shores, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and throughout North Carolina.