Who Is at Fault in Car Accidents Involving Automotive Defects in Philadelphia?

Car accidents are traumatic events, often causing significant physical and emotional distress. When an accident occurs because of an automotive defect, it adds a layer of complexity and confusion, especially regarding liability.

Understanding who is at fault in such cases is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

The team at Rosen Justice Lawyers is here to guide you through the intricacies of a defective vehicle lawsuit and explain your legal options.

If you have questions, please contact one of our Philadelphia car accident lawyers today.

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Understanding Automotive Defects

According to a 2018 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), faulty vehicle parts were responsible for 2% of crashes.

Automotive defects can arise from various issues, such as faulty brakes, steering malfunctions, airbag failures, or tire blowouts. These defects can occur due to poor design, manufacturing errors, or insufficient maintenance recommendations.

For instance, a brake failure due to a manufacturing defect can result in a severe accident, or an airbag that fails to deploy can lead to catastrophic injuries during a collision.

When a car accident happens because of a defective part, identifying the responsible party becomes essential for legal recovery.

Determining Liability in Defective Vehicle Lawsuit

In accidents involving automotive defects, determining liability involves a thorough investigation to pinpoint the exact cause of the defect and the responsible party. Several parties could potentially be held liable:

Manufacturers

The car manufacturer is often the first entity scrutinized in a defective vehicle lawsuit. If the defect originated during the design or manufacturing process, the manufacturer might be held responsible.

For example, if a vehicle has a design flaw that causes it to roll over easily, the manufacturer can be held liable for any accidents resulting from this defect.

Similarly, if a manufacturing error leads to faulty airbags that do not deploy during a crash, the manufacturer is responsible for the resulting injuries.

Dealers

Sometimes, the fault lies with the dealer who sold the vehicle, especially if they failed to address known issues or neglected necessary repairs before selling the car.

For instance, if a dealer sells a car with a known brake issue and does not disclose it or fix it, they can be held liable if the brakes fail and cause an accident.

Maintenance Providers

If a defect arose due to improper repairs or maintenance, the service provider could be liable.

An example would be a mechanic who improperly installed new tires, leading to a blowout that causes an accident. The mechanic or the service shop can be held accountable for the resulting damages.

Part Suppliers

If a specific part, such as a tire or brake component, was defective, the supplier of that part might be responsible.

For instance, if a tire manufacturer produces a batch of tires with a structural flaw, and one of these tires blows out, causing an accident, the tire manufacturer can be held liable for the defective product.

Proving a Defective Vehicle Lawsuit

Proving liability in an automotive defects lawsuit requires substantial evidence and expert testimonies.

Key elements include demonstrating the defect existed and was the direct cause of the accident, providing evidence of injuries or damages resulting from the defect, and showing that the responsible party was negligent in their duty to ensure the vehicle’s safety.

Gathering this evidence often involves working with accident reconstruction experts, engineers, and other professionals who can provide detailed analyses and testimonies.

Steps to Take After an Accident Involving a Defective Vehicle

After a car accident involving a defective vehicle, it is crucial to take the right steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health is paramount. Get medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Medical records will also serve as crucial evidence in your lawsuit.

Document the Scene

Take photographs of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any other vehicles involved. This visual evidence can be crucial for your case, helping to illustrate the circumstances of the accident and the defect in question.

Report the Accident

File a police report detailing the incident. This report can support your defective vehicle lawsuit by providing an official account of the accident.

Preserve Evidence

Do not repair your vehicle until it has been inspected for defects. Keep all relevant documents, such as repair receipts and maintenance records. This can help establish a timeline of the defect and any previous attempts to address it.

Contact a Lawyer

Reach out to a skilled Philadelphia car accident lawyer to discuss your case and legal options. A lawyer experienced in automotive defect cases can guide you through the process and help ensure you receive fair compensation.

How a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a defective vehicle lawsuit can be challenging without professional help. An experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyer from Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers can provide invaluable assistance throughout the process.

They will thoroughly investigate the accident to determine the defect’s role and identify liable parties, gathering and analyzing evidence such as vehicle inspection reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies.

By handling communications and negotiations with insurance companies, your lawyer will ensure you receive fair compensation, countering any attempts by insurers to minimize payouts.

If necessary, they will represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to secure the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to ensure you receive justice and that the responsible parties are held accountable.

Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been in a car accident because of a defective part, understanding your rights and who is liable is crucial for obtaining justice and compensation.

The process of proving a defective vehicle lawsuit can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our compassionate and experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers are here to help.

Don’t wait to seek the legal support you need. Reach out to Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.