Car Accidents Caused by Auto Defects in Queen Anne’s County

Queen Anne’s County Car Accident Lawyers provide effective representation for injured victims of auto defects. Automobile safety technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the past several years, making today’s vehicles safer than they have ever been. Even the more affordable models often come equipped with technology that, until recently, was only available in more luxury models. However, if the vehicle has an auto defect, even the most high-end, fully-loaded automobiles can become a hazard on the road. Depending on the nature of the defect, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, endangering the lives of the driver, the other occupants in the car, and other motorists in the vicinity. If you are involved in a car accident involving an auto defect, our legal team in Queen Anne’s County will protect your rights and recommend the best legal course of action.

For over 40 years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has had the authority to recall vehicles if there is a safety defect. Auto manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that the cars they sell are safe for consumers. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. In fact, since 1966, the NHTSA has recalled over 390 million vehicles. There are two main categories of auto defects, including the following:

Manufacturing Defects vs. Design Defects

 It you plan to pursue legal action, it is important that you understand the difference between the two types of defects. The following provides a brief description of each:

  • Manufacturing Defects: This type of defect typically occurs when there is an unintended error or flaw in the manufacturing process. Fortunately, these defects affect a relatively small percentage of vehicles. An example of a manufacturing defect would be if a floor mat was installed wrong, causing the car to accelerate on its own.
  • Design Defects: Because these defects can affect an entire line of product, they are of much greater concern than manufacturing defects. If a vehicle’s design does not meet government standards, it is considered defective. A poorly designed brake pedal is an example of a design defect.

Common Examples of Auto Defects

The following are some of the more common example of safety-related defects, according to the NHTSA:

  • Accelerators that stick or do not function properly
  • Air bags that do not deploy, or that deploy when they should not
  • Tires that break or separate from the vehicle
  • Faulty steering systems
  • Seats that unexpectedly fail
  • Fuel systems that leak, causing fire hazards
  • Windshield wipers that do not function properly

Depending on the defect, motorists can suffer from a wide range of injuries, including cuts, scrapes, bruising, broken bones, lacerations, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and even fatalities. In some cases, the injuries are caused by the accident itself. In other cases, the defect may not have caused the wreck, but it made the crash – and resulting injuries – for worse.

Liability in Auto Defects Cases

Automobile manufacturers have a responsibility to provide consumers with vehicles that are safe and dependable. If they fail to do so, they may be liable for any injuries that occur as a result of the defect. Depending on the defect, a claim may be filed against the manufacturer, the company that distributed the vehicle, or the car dealer, to name a few. Injured victims may be eligible for compensation including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected at all times. In addition, a lawyer can help you take the necessary steps to prove that the defect caused the accident. Even if the injured party is not the owner of the vehicle, he or she may pursue legal action against the manufacturer.

Queen Anne’s County Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for Victims of Auto Defects

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving an auto defect, do not hesitate to contact the Queen Anne’s County car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We are committed to helping you obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve, while ensuring that your rights are protected. Our dedicated team will determine who is responsible for the defect and hold them liable for your injuries. 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 Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, which includes the towns of Barclay, Centreville, Church Hill, Millington, Queen Anne, Queenstown, Sudlersville, and Templeville.