Automotive Product Liability: When Defective Car Parts Cause Serious Injuries
When you purchase a vehicle, you expect it to be safe and reliable. Car manufacturers, parts suppliers, and vehicle repair companies have a legal responsibility to provide products that are free from defects that could pose a danger to drivers and passengers.
Unfortunately, defective car parts are responsible for thousands of injuries and even deaths each year. When faulty components contribute to an accident or cause harm, those affected may be able to pursue a personal injury claim under product liability law.
At The Haslam Firm in Fort Worth, Texas, we understand the pain and hardship that comes from a personal injury caused by a defective automobile part. We believe that victims of these preventable incidents should be able to seek justice, hold the responsible parties accountable, and obtain compensation for their losses.
In this article, we will discuss automotive product liability, how it applies to defective car parts, and what victims can do when they suffer harm from an auto product failure in Texas.
Automotive Product Liability
Automotive product liability refers to the legal concept that manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of car parts or vehicles are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe for consumer use.
If a product defect causes injury or death, the injured party can file a lawsuit to recover compensation for their damages. In Texas, product liability cases generally fall under three categories: manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn.
Manufacturing defects: These defects arise during the production or assembly of a vehicle or its parts. For example, if an airbag system is incorrectly assembled during manufacturing and fails to deploy during a crash, it can lead to serious personal injury.
Design defects: These occur when a product is inherently dangerous due to its design, even if it is manufactured correctly. A well-known example is a vehicle with a design flaw that causes it to roll over more easily in a crash. If this defect is discovered and corrected, individuals who have been injured by the design may pursue legal action.
Failure to warn: A company may be held liable if it fails to provide adequate warnings about the risks associated with a car part or its usage. For example, if a vehicle's manual does not adequately warn users about the importance of certain maintenance procedures, and a failure to perform these tasks leads to an accident, the manufacturer could be liable for personal injury.
In a personal injury case involving defective automotive parts, the injured party must prove that the product was defectively designed, manufactured, or sold without proper warning. This typically involves expert testimony, documentation, and evidence that the defect directly led to the accident and resulting harm.
7 Common Defective Car Parts That Cause Injuries
Defective car parts can be present in any vehicle, and their failure can result in a wide range of accidents and injuries. Some of the most common parts involved in automotive product liability cases include:
Braking systems: A defect in a brake system, such as faulty brake pads, malfunctioning anti-lock brakes (ABS), or issues with brake fluid, can result in a catastrophic loss of control, leading to accidents and personal injury.
Airbags: Airbags are designed to deploy in the event of a crash, providing vital protection to drivers and passengers. A defective airbag that fails to deploy or deploys incorrectly can cause serious injuries. Cases of airbags deploying unexpectedly, or not at all during an accident, have led to fatalities and life-altering injuries.
Tires: Defective tires, such as those with manufacturing defects, poor tread quality, or improper inflation, can result in blowouts and loss of control, leading to serious crashes. Even tires from reputable manufacturers can sometimes be subject to recalls for defects.
Steering systems: A defective steering system can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, leading to a serious collision. In some cases, steering-related defects might not be immediately apparent but could still cause harm in emergency situations.
Fuel systems: Faulty fuel systems can result in fuel leaks, fires, or explosions. Even minor issues, such as an improperly sealed fuel tank, can lead to significant personal injury or death in the event of a collision or minor accident.
Seat belts: Seat belt failure can be one of the most dangerous defects in a vehicle. Whether due to faulty buckles, failure to lock, or a malfunctioning tensioner, a defective seat belt can prevent an individual from being properly restrained during a crash, leading to severe injury.
Defective electrical systems: Problems with a vehicle's electrical system can lead to fires, power loss to essential functions, or loss of vehicle control. A defective alternator, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning electrical components can all contribute to dangerous accidents.
In each of these cases, the consequences of a defective car part are severe. A person injured by such a defect may face mounting medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term emotional distress. We believe that manufacturers and sellers must be held accountable when their products fail and cause harm.
How Defective Parts Cause Personal Injury
Defective car parts cause personal injury in a variety of ways, depending on the nature of the defect and the circumstances of the accident. For example:
Loss of vehicle control: When steering, braking, or tire systems fail, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a crash. Whether the car crashes into another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a fixed object, the impact can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, concussions, and internal injuries.
Failure to protect in a crash: When safety features such as airbags, seat belts, or crumple zones are defective, they may fail to protect passengers during an accident. This can result in traumatic head, neck, and back injuries, as well as life-threatening conditions like internal bleeding or organ damage.
Fire or explosion: In cases where fuel or electrical systems are defective, the result can be a fire or explosion after a crash. These types of injuries are often catastrophic, with burns and smoke inhalation causing severe long-term damage or death.
Delayed or ineffective response: In some cases, a defective car part may cause the vehicle to break down in a dangerous location, such as on a busy highway. The delay in getting the vehicle to safety or the failure of emergency systems to activate can lead to secondary accidents and additional injuries.
At The Haslam Firm, we believe that anyone who suffers from an injury caused by a defective automotive part should have the right to pursue compensation. This compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that result from the accident.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Texas for Defective Car Parts
In Texas, individuals who are injured by defective car parts have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. However, there are specific legal requirements and deadlines that need to be understood. Here are some critical points to consider:
Statute of limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for product liability claims is typically two years from the date of the injury. This means that if you’ve been injured by a defective car part, you must file your lawsuit within two years or risk losing your right to pursue legal action.
Strict liability: In Texas, product liability cases involving defects in manufacturing, design, or failure to warn may be pursued under the theory of strict liability. This means that the injured party does not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent.
Instead, they only need to show that the product was defectively designed, manufactured, or lacked appropriate warnings, and that the defect directly caused their injury.
Negligence: While strict liability is often applied in product defect cases, negligence may also be a factor. If a car part manufacturer, designer, or retailer failed to exercise reasonable care in producing or selling the vehicle or parts, they may be held liable for negligence.
Gathering evidence: To build a strong case for a personal injury claim, it is essential to gather evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony. This evidence helps prove that the defective part caused the accident and injury.
Working with a skilled lawyer: Pursuing a personal injury claim involving defective automotive parts can be challenging, particularly when dealing with large manufacturers and intricate legal principles. At The Haslam Firm, we are committed to guiding clients through this process, advocating for their rights, and helping them obtain the compensation they deserve.
Holding Manufacturers and Suppliers Accountable
Manufacturers and suppliers of automotive products must be held accountable for the safety of their products. When they fail to confirm the safety of their products, victims may suffer life-altering injuries.
At The Haslam Firm, we are dedicated to holding these companies responsible and ensuring that injured parties receive the compensation necessary to recover and move forward with their lives.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a defective car part, it is crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
The Haslam Firm is here to help victims of automotive product defects understand their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve for their personal injury. We offer free consultations, so you can discuss your case with us and learn more about how we can help.
The Next Steps
At The Haslam Firm, we are here to guide you through this difficult process with care, determination, and a focus on obtaining justice for you. We’re proud to serve Fort Worth, Texas, and throughout the Dallas and Houston area. Call today.