Defectively Designed Cars Dangerous for Consumers

Most of us do not think twice before hopping in our cars and going about our business. We trust that the vehicle we use to transport ourselves and our loved ones is free from defect and will perform the way it is intended. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, and other motor vehicles are sometimes damaged long before a consumer drives them. Driving a defective or malfunctioning vehicle not only puts the driver and passengers at risk, but also endangers the lives of everyone else on the road.

When a consumer is injured or killed because a product they used was defective, the manufacturer and distributers of that product may be held liable. The 1966 National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act gives the government the power to recall unsafe cars. Since its enactment, 390 million defective vehicles have been recalled. Serious flaws such as Ford’s fire-prone cruise control mechanisms, GM’s engine-mount failure, and design weaknesses in Bridgestone-Firestone tires have prompted massive recalls. Unfortunately, the product recalls do not always prevent consumers from being hurt or even killed by defective products.

If you have been injured due to a defective car, truck, motorcycle, SUV, ATV, other motor vehicle, or vehicle part, you may have a product liability claim. Product liability claims involving motor vehicles usually fall into one of two categories: defectively manufactured vehicles or vehicle parts and vehicles with an unreasonably dangerous design. The defendants in a motor vehicle product liability claim can include the vehicle manufacturer, manufacturer of the defectively designed vehicle part, car dealership, person or entity who sold the car, shipping company responsible for transporting the vehicle, and the automotive supply shop at which a defective part was purchased. Each claim is different and may include other types of defendants not listed here.

It is important to note that you may still have a valid product liability claim even if the injury-causing vehicle is not yours. If you borrowed another person’s car or the car is a family car but legally belongs to a spouse or relative, you may still be able to receive compensation for your injuries. Similarly, if you were injured by a defective vehicle driven by someone else, you may still have a valid motor vehicle product liability claim.

If you have been hurt because of a faulty motor vehicle or vehicle part, you may be eligible for financial compensation. At the law firm of Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P., our experienced Monterey County product liability attorneys seek to hold manufacturers and other entities responsible for their injurious mistakes. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by calling (408) 298-7200.

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