Proving a Defect Caused Your Car Accident

What to Do If Your Injuries Were the Result of a Defective Auto Part

Each year millions of people are injured in car accidents. While many of the accidents are caused by another motorist’s negligence, some of them are the result of a defective auto part. Each year auto manufacturers put dangerous and defective parts on vehicles. These parts cause a significant number of injuries and deaths. 

At Conner, Marr & Pinski, we represent individuals who have been seriously injured in car accidents. Our lawyers will investigate your claim to determine whether it was another person’s negligence or a defective auto part that caused your accident. We will fight to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable and that you receive the largest recovery possible. 

If you were injured by an auto defect in Great Falls, contact our office for a free consultation. 

How to Prove an Auto Defect Caused Your Accident

After a car accident, one of the first questions you may ask is who or what was responsible for your injuries. In some cases, it is a defective auto part that caused your accident. It can be challenging, however, to prove that an auto defect was the reason for your injuries without the help of an attorney.

In order to prove that an automobile defect caused your accident, you need to collect evidence. Take pictures of your vehicle and provide any evidence you collect to your attorney. An attorney can help determine how you should move forward, including whether you have a valid cause of action against an auto part manufacturer. 

Common Auto Part Defects

Hundreds of recalls are issued each year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These recalls end up affecting millions of vehicles nationwide. Unfortunately, many consumers do not receive the information they need to get the defective auto part removed or replaced in a timely manner. 

Common auto part defects causing injuries:

• Exploding airbags
• Airbags that fail to deploy
• Underinflated tires
• Defective brake pads
• Electrical system failures
• Seatback failure
• Anti Lock brake system failure
• Tire defects 
• Seat belt failures

In some cases, the manufacturer never recalls the part despite knowing that it could cause serious injury or death. Depending on the situation, you might be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer or another liable party.

Causes of Actions You Can File

Auto defect claims are usually based on one of three theories: a manufacturing defect, a design defect, or a failure to warn.

What types of claims can you file for an auto defect:

• Manufacturing defect: A defect that occurs during manufacturing. This type of defect may only apply to a limited number of parts that were manufactured at a particular time.
• Design defect: A defect in the design of the product itself. This type of defect would apply to all of the products that were manufactured until the flaw was fixed.
• Failure to warn: Failure to warn occurs when a manufacturer knows or should have known about the defect but fails to warn consumers. 

To determine what kind of cause of action you should file, you need to speak with a qualified attorney.

Injured by an Auto Defect? Contact Our Office. 

Were you injured by an auto defect in Great Falls? Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.