Who is Responsible If a Vehicle Defect Caused My Car Accident?
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When you purchase a motor vehicle, you expect that it has been safely designed
and rigorously manufactured. Unfortunately, defective cars and trucks,
as well as defective auto parts, are produced every year. A product liability
auto accident claim may be filed when a product was defective and caused
injury or damage due to the design, manufacturing, strict liability, fraud,
or misrepresentation.
When these hazardous manufacturing decisions lead to accidents and injuries, the following are several traditional parties that can be held liable for vehicle defects:
- Auto manufacturer – When it comes to product liability claims, the manufacturer should always be considered involved. If the product fails to work the way a manufacturer intended the product to work, and someone is injured as a result of the defect, the manufacturer may be liable.
- Parts manufacturer – Every auto manufacturer uses parts, such as tires or airbags, which are made by a separate company. If your case involves a defective part, include the manufacturer of that part if it is a separate company from the car manufacturer.
- Car dealership or automotive supply shop – Whoever sold the vehicle or the specific defective part may be liable for your accident and injuries.
- Middleman or shipper – These parties are part of the chain of distribution between the manufacturer of the defective vehicle or part and the dealership or another retailer where it was sold.
- Used car dealer – If the vehicle involved in your case was purchased used, the dealer who sold it may be liable in certain cases, especially if they failed to inspect the vehicle for safety.
If you have been in a car accident that was directly caused by a vehicle defect, one of the first steps to take is to discuss the circumstances of your crash with an experienced lawyer. He or she can help you determine what claims should be filed and protect your rights and best interests in order to recover financial compensation.
To schedule a free case evaluation with our Florida personal injury attorneys, contact us and speak with The Pittman Firm, P.A. today.