Who is Liable in a Car Accident Caused by a Defect?

Determining who is at fault for a car accident is often one of the most critical questions after a crash. The determination of liability often has a significant impact on the overall award of compensation, especially if an injury victim is accused of contributing to the accident. Who is at fault when a car accident occurs because of a defect in the vehicle and not from the actions of a person? At the law office of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our team of legal professionals has represented the legal interests of car accident victims who have been injured by a car defect and can get you the compensation you deserve after a crash. Call or contact the office today to learn more.

Car Manufacturers

If the accident was caused by a defect in the design or manufacture of a vehicle part, the car manufacturer may be liable for any accident that results. A design defect refers to an error in the overall design of a part. A manufacturing defect occurs when the design is sound but a mistake occurs in the physical creation of the auto part. One recent example of a design defect is the Takata airbag accidents that harmed multiple drivers before being recalled.

Transportation Companies

If the car parts are created well but are broken or become defective due to negligent transportation, the transportation companies may be liable for any accidents. A common example of transportation liability occurs when vehicle parts are not properly stored in cargo areas and either fall or get thrown around during transport.

Retailers and Distributors

If a vehicle retailer or distributor makes any adjustments to a car that results in an equipment defect, they may be held liable for any crashes that result. This often happens with used cars that are traded in at dealerships, where the retailer attempts to update the vehicle or change parts to increase its value. If these changes result in a vehicle defect, they can be held liable for any accidents.

Mechanics and Auto Parts Stores

Finally, a mechanic may be held liable for a car defect if the work performed on a vehicle resulted in a damaged part. The mechanic may also be liable if his or her negligence results in a defective vehicle. The same applies to an auto parts store if they supply parts that are defective because of improper storage or other negligence that damages the vehicle parts. Because there are so many different parties that may ultimately be liable for an auto accident caused by a defect, it is critical that you secure the services of an experienced car accident attorney to handle your case.

Call or Contact Us Now

If you or someone that you know has been injured because of a defect in an auto accident, the law office of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. is here to help. Call the office or contact us today to speak with an experienced car accident attorney about your case and to schedule a free case evaluation.