Columbia Automotive Products Liability Lawyer
While most collisions are caused by driver error, some crashes are not the fault of either driver, but the fault of the vehicle manufacturer. These terrifying defective parts collisions can happen unexpectedly, at any time, and often result in traumatic injury to multiple parties. If you were injured due to a defective airbag, seat belt, braking system, tires, or other auto part, the manufacturer owes you compensation for your damages. Experience matters when it comes to filing claims against auto manufacturers. And, the Columbia automotive products liability lawyers as Simmons Law Firm have the experience and a proven track record of success in all types of defective auto parts.
Two Percent of Crashes Are Caused By Defective or Degraded Parts
In roughly two percent of fatal crashes, the critical cause of the crash is a vehicle component’s failure or degradation, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There is a big difference between a defective part and a degraded part. For example, a defective set of tires that blows out, causing a crash, is a valid claim. It was the duty of the manufacturer to produce a safe, functional tire, and they failed to do so. If, on the other hand, a tire blow-out caused the crash but the tire failed simply because it was worn out from 60,000 miles, you cannot file a claim against the manufacturer, as it is the car owner’s responsibility to maintain the vehicle. As such, it is important to determine why the auto part failed, and to have ample proof of the cause as the manufacturer may deny liability by claiming that the failure was due to negligent maintenance on the owner’s behalf.
Examples of Defective Auto Parts
A car can have dozens of defects that do not impact the safety of the occupants or other road users. For example, a defective oil light (signifying that the oil should be changed) would never cause or contribute to a collision. In order for a successful claim, there must be a direct causal relationship between the defective part and the crash. Defects such as this can include:
- Tires;
- Brakes;
- Ignition;
- Wiring system;
- Air bags;
- Accelerator;
- Steering;
- Vehicle frame;
- Brake lights or headlights;
- Aftermarket parts;
- Truck or trailer hitches; and
- Motorcycle helmets and protective gear.
You do not need to be the owner of the defective vehicle to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. If you were an occupant of another car, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, you still have the ability to file a claim against the manufacturer if the defect led to your injuries.
Contact a Columbia Defective and Automotive Parts Attorney Today
Some of the largest automotive recalls have been issued for dangerous defects like ignition switches that cause fires, unintended gas pedal acceleration, and seat belt failures, according to CNN. But not all defective auto parts are recalled. Even if the part that caused your crash was not issued a recall, you can still hold the manufacturer accountable by working with the Columbia defective auto parts attorneys at The Simmons Law Firm. Call us today at 803-779-4600 to schedule a free consultation.
