In the realm of car safety, each component plays a vital role; nevertheless, certain parts are more prone to defects than others. A malfunctioning car part or system can lead to catastrophic accidents, resulting in severe injuries or wrongful death.
Being able to identify defective parts is vital for your safety on the road. In this article, we’ll go over the seven most common parts of your car that are prone to defects. If you ever find yourself in an accident due to a malfunction in your car, it’s a good idea to reach out to a lawyer who specializes in car accidents for help. They can assist you in getting the maximum compensation for any damages you may have suffered.
1. Defective Car Tires
Reliable, safe car tires are essential. Car tires provide traction with the road, allowing the driver to maintain control. A well-maintained tire that is in good condition should not experience problems that could lead to a car crash.
However, manufacturing defects can lead to loss of tread and tire blowouts. A loss of tread could reduce traction on the road, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. A tire blowout is very dangerous because the vehicle could run out of the road, roll over, or the driver may hit another vehicle or object trying to regain control after the blowout.
2. Seatbelts and Safety Restraints
Seatbelts and child safety seats reduce the risk of injury and death during a collision. However, if these are defective, they might not function correctly during a crash. The result could be additional injuries or death.
3. Airbags Failures
Airbags can help reduce the risk of serious injury and death during a car accident when used correctly and with seatbelts. Unfortunately, defective airbags have caused numerous injuries and deaths.
Defects may cause the airbags to send metal shrapnel and toxic chemicals into the vehicle when the airbag deploys. In other cases, the airbags might not inflate when they should, leaving the occupant without protection from the impact.
4. Faulty Brake Systems
The brakes on your vehicle are essential for controlling speed and stopping the vehicle. However, the brake system is composed of many moving parts. Each part of it must work correctly to give you control over the vehicle’s speed.
When the brake system fails because of a defect, a driver may be unable to slow or stop the car. The result could be a high-speed collision that results in a traffic fatality or catastrophic injury.
5. Steering Component Defects
The steering system is another vital car system. It allows the driver to control the direction of the vehicle. Defects in the steering system could result in the vehicle drifting into another lane or leaving the road because the driver cannot turn the wheel or steer.
Warning signs of a defective steering system could include difficulty turning the steering wheel, screeching noises when turning, and rumbles in the steering wheel.
6. Accelerator Issues
The accelerator allows you to increase the speed of the vehicle. A defective accelerator that sticks or stops working could cause your vehicle to speed up without warning. A defective accelerator could also cause the vehicle to jump or lurch forward when you are stopped.
Defects in the acceleration system can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle’s speed. The result could be a vehicle careening down the road out of control until it collides with another vehicle or object.
7. Door Latch Mechanisms
The door latch mechanism should keep the door firmly closed while the car is in motion. A defective door latch could cause the door to open while the car is moving. Depending on the situation, a person may fall out of the car, or the door may strike someone as it flies open or slams shut.
Filing a Claim for a Defective Car Part or System
Car manufacturers have to provide safe products that are free from defects. If a car part or system malfunctions because of a manufacturing, design, or marketing defect, the manufacturer could be strictly liable for any damages caused by the defective part. Because product liability claims are based on strict liability, you do not need to prove negligence or recklessness to hold the manufacturer or other responsible party liable for damages.
Damages in a product liability claim for defective car parts include economic damages, such as lost wages, property damage, medical bills, and out-of-pocket expenses. Victims can also receive compensation for their non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
It is essential to maintain vehicles in good working order. If an owner receives notice of a recall or defective part, they need to take immediate action to have the part replaced or repaired. Failing to do so could impact their compensation for a car accident caused by a defective car part.
If you suspect that a faulty car component or system was responsible for your car accident, contact a personal injury law firm to learn about your legal options.