Car Accidents Caused by Auto Defects in Carroll County
As car owners, we rely on our vehicles to take us where we need to go. We take care of our cars by having them regularly serviced and making the appropriate repairs when necessary. In return, we expect the vehicle to be safe and reliable. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Some cars have defective parts that can cause the car to malfunction, often resulting in serious car accidents and potentially life-threatening injuries.
Types of Auto Defects
Auto defects fall into two categories; manufacturing defects and design defects. It is important to understand the difference between the two, particularly if you plan to pursue a vehicle defect liability case. The following explains the difference between them:
- Manufacturing Defects: These defects are caused by a flaw or mistake in the manufacturing process. They tend to only affect a small percentage of vehicles. The injured victim must prove that the accident would not have occurred if it were not for the manufacturing defect. In addition, if the damage to the vehicle was extreme, tests may not be able to verify that the defective part caused the accident.
- Design Defects: These defects are much more serious because they tend to impact an entire line of cars. When pursuing legal action, the courts will determine whether the feature’s original design was potentially dangerous and that it could cause harm to the occupants of the vehicle.
Examples of Auto Defects
All automobile manufacturers must follow the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). Vehicles and auto parts may be recalled for failing to meet those standards. The following are examples of safety-related defects listed by the NHTSA:
- Accelerators that do not function properly
- Air bags that do not deploy, or that deploy when they should not
- Electrical systems that malfunction, causing fires or loss of lights
- Steering components that stop working, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle
- Fuel systems that are prone to damage upon impact, resulting in leaks and potential fires
- Windshield wipers that do not work, affecting the driver’s visibility
- Seats that suddenly recline
- Tires that break or become flat, causing a loss of vehicle control
- Seat belts that fail to restrain the passenger
When a defective vehicle causes a car accident, victims can suffer from a wide range of injuries from minor cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, organ damage, and even fatality. An experienced car accident lawyer can ensure that you are compensated for your injuries and that your legal rights are protected.
Liability in Auto Defects Cases
If you were injured in a wreck that was caused by an auto defect, the car manufacturer, or the new car dealer, they may be held liable for the defect. Before taking legal action, keep the following in mind:
- You must prove that the defect caused the accident. This can be challenging and may require the help of expert witnesses and an experienced car accident lawyer. The seller is responsible for proving that the benefits of the design outweighed the potential risks.
- Any injured party may sue. Anyone who was injured because of a defective auto part can pursue legal action against the manufacturer. Even if the injured party is not the owner of the vehicle, they may sue.
- Misuse of the vehicle does not make the victim ineligible to sue. A certain degree of misuse is expected by designers and manufacturers. This may not prevent the manufacturer from being held liable for injuries resulting from an accident.
Carroll County Car Accident Attorneys at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Auto Defects
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that was caused by an auto defect, do not hesitate to contact the Carroll County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Whether the accident was caused by a design defect or a manufacturing defect, we will hold the appropriate parties liable for your injuries. We are on your side and will work tirelessly to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.