Defective Auto Parts

Proving Liability In A Defective Auto Part Case

In a car accident caused by defective auto parts, the claim usually does not have to prove negligence by a liable party.

Instead, you must prove:

• The defective vehicle or vehicle part would be considered “unreasonably dangerous”
• The vehicle was being operated as intended
• Vehicle performance has remained constant since the initial purchase

Common Types Of Defective Auto Parts

Many car parts carry the risk of malfunctioning during the vehicle’s operation. Any type of malfunctioning part may endanger passengers and other drivers by suddenly altering the performance of the vehicle or making it unfit to drive safely.

Auto parts that can have hazardous defects include:

• Brakes
• Airbags
• Engine
• Fuel systems
• Tires
• Seatbelts
• Seats
• Ignition
• Car doors
• Brake shift interlock

In addition to these individual parts, some defects may cause a vehicle to accelerate or stall out suddenly.

Defense In Defective Auto Part Claims

It can be incredibly difficult to prove that a defective auto part was solely responsible for an accident. Unless it is a commonly known problem with a vast number of vehicles of a certain model, a manufacturer usually will simply claim that the faulty performance of an individual vehicle was caused by consistent owner operation or failure to properly care for the vehicle. In many cases, they will claim the owner was aware of the car defect but continued to operate the vehicle.

A car manufacturer or seller may try to free themselves of liability by examining the vehicle’s condition and comparing it to the vehicle owner’s description of usage. In some cases, the defendant can challenge a claim by attempting to prove that the car accident was caused not by the faulty design or makeup of their vehicle, but by the sole fault of the driver.

At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we don’t let manufacturers get away with these tactics. We are fearless in our approach and unwavering in our efforts to prove the existence of vehicle defects.

Punitive Damages In Car Defect Claims

If you successfully prove that defective auto parts caused your accident, you may be awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended more to punish the perpetrator – in this case, the manufacturer responsible for the faulty automobile – and encourage them to change their ways and fix the problem.

When they are found to be responsible for producing defective parts and vehicles, manufacturers usually want to determine if it is worth implementing a design change or if they should simply absorb the cost of potential litigation related to the faulty part. Punitive damages are meant to increase the litigation costs against an automaker as a form of punishment for making defective auto parts, which may then encourage them to fix the defective parts rather than risk further punitive costs.

Types Of Automaker Negligence

When automakers create a car, they carry a duty to ensure the consumer’s safety. Any failure to do so is considered negligence.

Examples of carmaker negligence include:

• Failing to design a safe vehicle
• Manufacturing faulty parts
• Failing to test vehicles before they are sold to the public

If any of these mistakes lead to an accident that injures innocent lives, the manufacturer can and should be held liable.

At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we are determined to take action against the negligent corporation that caused your injury. You have every right to believe that your vehicle is safe to operate, so you shouldn’t have to pay the price for a manufacturer’s mistake. Let us fight for you and get the compensation you are owed.

Call (912) 809-5335 now to get started on your claim.