When a car crash occurs the most important factor in a claim or lawsuit is liability. If the accident was caused by defective car parts, establishing responsibility can be more complex. Continue reading and speak with a Rockland County auto accident lawyer for skilled representation during your case.
What Defects Could Cause a Car Accident?
Defects can be found in nearly any area of a vehicle. Thousands of individual parts make up an automobile and they must all function harmoniously to ensure safe and functional operation. If one or more parts fail to work properly, it can lead to an accident or result in more severe repercussions.
Common defects that can lead to a collision include the following.
- Malfunctioning brake systems causing the driver to be unable to slow down or stop
- Faulty steering systems resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle
- Ineffective or faulty headlights resulting in low or no visibility
- Broken windshield wipers causing diminished visibility
- Airbags deploying when they should not, creating a hazard and causing the driver to lose control of the car
Other defects can worsen or exacerbate the results of an accident. For example, if a seatbelt latch is broken or does not have a functioning tension detector it could cause more severe injuries or even death. If airbags fail to deploy it could have the same results.
Who is Responsible for an Accident Caused By Defective Car Parts?
In any car accident case, one or more individuals can be held liable. New York abides by comparative negligence law, meaning that during a lawsuit or claim a court will examine the details of the accident and assign a percentage of the blame to one or multiple parties. One or more drivers involved can be assigned a percentage of the liability. However, when the accident is caused or worsened by a defective part, other entities can be held liable as well.
If a defective car part causes an accident, the product designers, manufacturers, or distributors can face responsibility.
There may be a flaw in the product’s design that inherently causes problems or prevents it from working properly. It is the product design team’s responsibility to ensure that the item will function as intended and be safe for users. They can be held responsible for an issue with the product’s design.
Manufacturers are often found liable for issues with product safety and defects. If they fail to identify an issue or recall a faulty product they can be found liable for any accidents caused by their negligence.
If the product was damaged or became defective during shipping or distribution, the distributor may be liable. If they mishandle the item or modify it in any way, the responsibility for the accident will fall on them.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
It is always recommended to obtain professional legal representation during a car accident lawsuit or claim. Having a skilled attorney by your side can ensure that you are fairly represented and have the chance to receive the compensation you are entitled to. Reach out to an experienced lawyer today for more information.
