Auto Defect Cases in Personal Injury Law

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), any automotive part that “poses a risk to motor vehicle safety” can be viewed as defective. The manufacturers of defective products which result in the injury or death of consumers who use them as directed can be held legally accountable under strict liability laws.
Unfortunately, defective automobiles and / or defective automotive components have been found to be the cause of many accidents in past decades. Many of these have ended up being recalled by the NHTSA to ensure the safety of the public who rely on them. Automotive parts which have been cited as safety risks to consumers include tires, brakes, seatbelts, airbags, door latches, fuel systems and lines, and more.

A highly-publicized example of an auto defect case includes the acceleration problems in certain Toyota models. The case was filed in 2010 based on reports from many drivers whose vehicles suddenly and unintentionally accelerated, which resulted in traffic crashes, injuries, and even some deaths. Toyota was forced to recall more than 14 million vehicles worldwide and its stellar reputation as a manufacturer of superior vehicles was tarnished. Hundreds of lawsuits were filed against the car company and were consolidated in a District Court in California where they were divided into two different categories, one for economic loss and the other for wrongful death. Toyota agreed to pay up to $1.4 billion to settle the cases which involved direct payments to consumers along with the installation of a brake override system in the vehicles of some consumers.

Defective product claims and lawsuits can be complex and difficult legal matters, requiring the expertise of an attorney who has the requisite knowledge, experience, and skills to handle them. Generally, you will be making a claim against a large corporation, whether it is an auto parts manufacturer, an auto maker, a pharmaceutical company, or other consumer product manufacturer.