Can You Sue a Car Manufacturer for a Car Crash?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by a defective vehicle, you may be wondering if you can hold the manufacturer accountable. Product liability laws provide a legal pathway to pursue the compensation you deserve if the accident resulted from a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing or failure to provide adequate warnings.

These cases can be complex, requiring thorough investigation and evidence to prove the manufacturer’s fault. Whether the defect involves faulty airbags, malfunctioning brakes, or a design flaw, understanding your legal options is essential. Speak with an experienced auto defect attorney at Munley Law to determine if you have a valid claim and explore your right to compensation.

Product Liability in Automotive Accidents

Manufacturer defects can cause automotive accidents. When that happens, the manufacturer may be held liable. Product liability claims allow individuals to seek compensation for injuries caused by such defects. There are several types of manufacturer liability, including:

• Design defects: Flaws in the vehicle’s design that make it unsafe to use.
• Manufacturing defects: Errors that occur during the production process, leading to unsafe vehicles.
• Failure to warn: When a manufacturer fails to inform consumers of potential risks.
• Breach of warranty: When a vehicle does not meet the standards promised by the manufacturer.
• Negligence: When the manufacturer fails to act with reasonable care during the vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or sale.

If you’ve been injured in an accident due to a defective vehicle, speak with our expert product liability attorneys to explore your legal options and seek justice.

Common Vehicle Defects Leading to Accidents

Vehicle defects can significantly compromise safety, leading to severe accidents. Common defects that often contribute to crashes include:

• Airbag failures: Malfunctioning airbags that fail to deploy or deploy improperly can lead to serious injuries.
• Brake system malfunctions: Defective brake components can result in delayed or failed stopping, causing accidents.
• Seat belt defects: Faulty seat belts that don’t properly secure passengers can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
• Fuel system vulnerabilities: Leaking fuel lines or defective fuel pumps can cause fires or explosions in collisions.
• Door latch mechanism flaws: Faulty door latches can cause doors to open unexpectedly, leading to ejections or injuries.
• Accelerator control issues: Malfunctions in the accelerator can cause unintended acceleration or difficulty stopping the vehicle.
• Steering component problems: Defective steering systems can cause a loss of control, leading to accidents.

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to a vehicle defect, get a free case evaluation to assess your vehicle defect claim and explore your legal options.

When Can You Sue a Car Manufacturer?

There are specific scenarios where you can sue a car manufacturer, particularly when a defect in the vehicle leads to an accident or injury. Legal action is often warranted in cases of:

• Defective vehicle design: When a design flaw causes a safety issue, such as instability or poor crash protection.
• Manufacturing defects: Faults that occur during the vehicle’s production, like defective airbags or faulty brakes.
• Failure to warn: Manufacturers who fail to adequately warn consumers about potential hazards, such as known safety risks.
• Breach of warranty: When a manufacturer fails to meet promises or guarantees regarding the vehicle’s performance.

To file a product liability lawsuit, you must prove the defect directly caused the accident. This involves meeting the burden of proof by showing that the manufacturer was negligent or that the defect existed when the vehicle left its control.

If you believe you have a valid claim, contact an attorney at Munley Law to determine your next steps.

Proving Manufacturer Fault in a Car Crash

Proving manufacturer fault in a car crash requires thorough evidence collection and expert analysis. Key strategies include:

• Evidence collection: Gathering physical evidence such as damaged vehicle parts, photos of the crash scene, and any available video footage.
• Expert witness testimony: Engaging automotive engineers or accident reconstruction experts to testify on how the defect caused the crash.
• Manufacturer recall information: Investigating whether the manufacturer has issued a recall for the specific defect that led to the crash.
• Documentation requirements: Securing maintenance records, repair history, and any communication with the manufacturer regarding the defect.
• Technical investigation processes: Conducting a detailed inspection of the vehicle’s critical systems to identify any defects or failures, such as malfunctioning airbags or faulty brakes.

These steps are crucial for establishing manufacturer liability. Let our experienced team investigate your potential claim and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation in Auto Manufacturer Liability Cases

In auto manufacturer liability cases, victims may be entitled to various types of compensation, including both economic and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages: These cover quantifiable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, and vehicle repair or replacement costs.
• Non-economic damages: These address the intangible impact of the accident, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by injuries.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, if the manufacturer’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the company and deter future misconduct.

Each case is unique, and the compensation available depends on the severity of the defect, the extent of injuries, and other factors. To maximize your potential compensation, speak with our experienced attorneys to assess your claim and guide you through the legal process.

Legal Protections and Consumer Rights

Automotive product liability laws are designed to protect consumers from harm caused by defective vehicles or vehicle parts. These laws hold manufacturers accountable for design defects, manufacturing flaws, and failure to warn consumers about potential dangers. 

Consumer protection regulations require manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products and inform the public of any risks through recall notifications. Manufacturers have a responsibility to meet safety standards set by regulatory agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If a vehicle or part is defective, they are obligated to issue a recall and repair or replace the product at no cost to consumers.

The statute of limitations imposes a time frame for filing claims related to defective products, so it’s essential to act quickly. Understanding these rights can significantly impact the success of a case. Speak with our expert attorneys who can guide you through the claims process.

Steps to Take After a Defective Vehicle Accident

After a defective vehicle accident, your immediate safety is the top priority. Move to a safe location and seek medical attention if necessary. Preserving evidence is key for your case—take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible defects. Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and witness statements.

It’s important to report the defect to the manufacturer or the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. This helps create a record of the issue and can aid in your case. Medical documentation provides evidence of injuries sustained in the accident. Seek immediate medical care and follow all treatment plans.

Consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in product liability is the next step. They will help you understand the legal process and build a strong case. Protect your rights with immediate legal guidance—contact our expert team today.

Hiring the Right Attorney for Your Car Crash Case

If a defective vehicle component contributed to your car accident, you may have grounds to sue the manufacturer through a product liability claim. At Munley Law, our attorneys have extensive experience investigating and proving manufacturer liability, from defective airbags and seatbelts to faulty brakes and steering systems.

We understand the complex technical and legal aspects of these cases, working with automotive experts to demonstrate how the defect caused or worsened your accident. During your free consultation, we’ll evaluate your case and explain how we can help pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Our team has a proven record of successfully holding major auto manufacturers accountable, and we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.