what kind of lawyer would you need for a manufacturer defect in a car

by Dexter Bergnaum 8 min read

If you have been injured because of a motor vehicle defect, you should consult with an experienced and local defective products lawyer. A local attorney will be best suited to helping you understand your state’s specific laws regarding liability and damages awards, as well as if there are any different standards for commercial vehicles.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer? If you have been injured because of a defective automotive product, you should consult with an experienced and local products and services lawyer as soon as possible.Jul 27, 2021

Full Answer

Do you need a lawyer for motor vehicle defects?

If some designer made a poor choice or some mistake was made in the manufacturing process, drivers could be operating vehicles that contain deadly defects. If you have a defective vehicle and want to know more about your rights and legal options, contact a motor vehicle defects attorney for advice. What Are Motor Vehicle Defects?

Can a manufacturer defend against a motor vehicle defect claim?

In some states, a manufacturer or seller may also be able to defend against your motor vehicle defect claim under the theory that your contributory or comparative negligence was the cause of, or a factor in, your injuries. Thank you for subscribing! The email address cannot be subscribed.

How can an auto lawyer help me buy a bad car?

Auto Lawyers are very helpful for consumers who purchased a bad car because they can apply legal pressure on the dealership that sold the bad vehicle. When consumers buy bad or defective vehicles, it may be difficult for them to actually get the dealership to give them what the law entitles them to.

Who is liable for defective car repairs?

Some parties that may be liable for defective car repairs include: 1 A shop mechanic; 2 The owner of a repair shop; and/or 3 Vehicle manufacturers, especially in cases where a company mechanic is working under a warranty agreement. More ...

Do car manufacturers have a duty of care?

Negligence: Manufacturers have a legal responsibility not to take any action that is reasonably likely to cause a product to harm others. Breach of warranty: If a product proves to be unsafe or unreliable as promised by the manufacturer, that defect may constitute a breach of an implicit or explicit warranty.

What are manufacturing defects on a car?

A manufacturing defect is when a vehicle or part of a vehicle is not created as intended. This means that there was something wrong with the way in which the part was produced. Design defect refers to a problem in the original design and intent of the vehicle or parts of the vehicle.

What is the most common vehicle defect?

What are the 10 most common vehicle defects?Seat belts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 3 million people are injured from failed seat belts. ... Airbags. ... Fuel Systems. ... Door Latch Mechanisms. ... Steering Components. ... Braking system. ... Tires. ... Windshields & Windows.More items...•

What is considered a faulty car?

Defect: While any issue with a vehicle may technically be considered a "defect," motor vehicle defects law is primarily concerned with defects in systems that support the vehicle's safe operation, such as acceleration, braking, and steering; or those systems designed to protect the vehicle's occupants, like seat belts ...

What are latent defects in a car?

A latent defect cannot and only becomes apparent at a later stage and not at first sight. In a vehicle, a patent defect would be eg clear accident damage; whereas a latent defect would be accident damage to the motor which cannot simply be seen by external examination.

What are body defects?

Birth defects are structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body (e.g., heart, brain, foot). They may affect how the body looks, works, or both. Birth defects can vary from mild to severe.

What are the defects that can appear in a chassis body?

Defects in frames and body generally occur due to severe impacts on rough roads and collision with other objects or vehicles. Depending upon the nature of collision, the defects of the following kinds may occur. Misalignment in horizontal and/or vertical plane. Twisting of main frame and/or sub-frames.

What is the most common thing in all vehicles?

Answer:Breaker's.tyre.Sits.............

What did car manufacturers design into our cars that reduces injury?

Airbags. Airbags, which inflate when an electronic sensor signals that there has been a collision, can cushion the impact and prevent serious injury, even stopping the driver or passenger from making contact with the windshield or steering wheel.

Can you return a used car if it has problems?

If you've purchased a new or used car and you're having second thoughts about it, in most cases, you won't be able to return the car. The dealer who sold you the car is usually not legally obligated to take the car back and issue you a refund or exchange after you've signed the sales contract.

What are my rights with a faulty new car?

What Are Your Rights When Returning A New Car? Under the Consumer Rights Act, if the vehicle goes wrong within the first 30 days of ownership, you can simply reject it for a full refund. If a fault develops after those 30 days but within the first six months, the dealer gets one chance to fix it.

What to do if someone sells you a faulty car?

Contact the seller and explain the problem before you do anything else. You should contact the seller yourself – or have someone else do it for you – if you have bought a vehicle and: were misled into doing so, either by false advertising or something the seller has said. the vehicle is faulty or unsafe.

What are the most common defects in a car?

Some commonly claimed motor vehicle defects include: 1 Brake and gas pedal defects (pedals getting stuck or jammed) 2 Safety equipment defects (safety belt or airbag failure) 3 Fuel, exhaust, and cooling system flaws 4 Misaligned steering mechanisms 5 Structural problems in the frame, body, transmission, or engine assembly 6 Electrical and computer problems such as defective keyless fobs

How Can I Recover Losses For a Motor Vehicle Defect? What Remedies May Be Available?

To prove that the vehicle’s manufacturer was liable for your injuries or losses, you must prove the following:

Do I Need An Attorney For a Motor Vehicle Defect Claim?

If you have been injured because of a motor vehicle defect, you should consult with an experienced and local defective products lawyer. A local attorney will be best suited to helping you understand your state’s specific laws regarding liability and damages awards, as well as if there are any different standards for commercial vehicles. An attorney can discuss your legal options with you to provide you with the most relevant legal advice.

What happens if a defective product is issued?

If the manufacturer was found to have issued a defective product, you may be able to recover losses for any injuries that may have been caused by the defect. In some instances the manufacturer may be required to pay for the repair of the defective condition.

What is a product liability attorney?

Your attorney will be able to explain how the various laws apply to your situation.

What is a defect in the manufacturing process?

A defect in the manufacturing process (the design is acceptable but the vehicle was manufactured wrongly), or. A failure to provide adequate warning of any dangerous aspects of the vehicle (such as a failure to place a warning label where required)

What is a motor vehicle?

The legal definition of motor vehicle in most states is “any self-propelled vehicle that is designed for operation on land, but does not use rails”. Thus, for the purposes of defect claims, the term “motor vehicle” can include trucks, vans, buses and motorcycles. In other words, the term is not limited to passenger cars ...

What are Some Examples Of Defective Car Repairs?

The type of issue that is considered a defective car repair depends on the circumstances of the case and the make and model of the car involved. Some common examples of defective car repairs may include:

What Documentation Do I Need When Dealing with a Defective Car Repair?

Documentation is going to be the foundation of a defective car repair claim. Any time a vehicle is repaired, it is important to keep all documentation. This may include:

What is the Difference Between and Defective Car Repair and a Defective Product Recall?

A defective car repair is a repair that is improperly done on a vehicle, as discussed above. A defective product recall is different and may be caused by a car defect which is the result of the vehicle’s manufacturer.

What happens if a car is not repaired properly?

If a repair is not properly completed, it can result in further damage or even injury to the passengers. A defective car repair can render a vehicle unsafe to drive. A vehicle that is unsafe to drive can result in physical damage to the vehicle itself, making further repairs difficult or impossible. It can also present risks to a driver, passenger, ...

How to protect yourself as an auto mechanic?

One important step an individual can take to protect themselves is research the mechanic or repair shop they plan to use.

What is a recall in automobiles?

An automobile recall or car defect recall usually only refers to flaws which create safety hazards, may result in injury to the operator, and/or passengers. In most cases, a cosmetic issue such as a poorly done paint job or a misplaced decal are not subject to recalls.

What are some examples of issues that will be included in an automobile recall?

Common examples of issues that will be included in an automobile recall often include: Defects in the brake and/or gas pedals, including getting stuck or jammed; Defects in safety equipment, such as safety belts and/or airbags; Flaws in the fuel, exhaust, and/or cooling systems; Steering mechanisms that are misaligned;

How to sue for an automobile defect?

In order to sue for an injury resulting from an automotive product defect, the plaintiff must prove that the vehicle had an unreasonably dangerous defect which was the cause of their injury. Additionally, they must prove that they were using the vehicle properly; meaning, using the vehicle as it was intended to be used. Finally, the plaintiff will need to demonstrate that the vehicle was not substantially altered from the condition in which it was originally manufactured and sold.

What are aesthetic flaws in a vehicle?

By this definition, aesthetic flaws are not generally the subject of a defective motor vehicle claim. An example of aesthetic flaws would be a botched paint job, or a misplaced decal.

What is product liability?

Generally speaking, a product liability claim involves a plaintiff filing against a defendant in order to hold them responsible for providing a defective or dangerous product. This product must have injured the plaintiff when they used it according to the manufacturer’s directions and warnings. The defendant is most commonly one of the following parties responsible for providing the product to consumers: 1 Distributor; 2 Wholesaler; 3 Manufacturer; or 4 Retailer.

What is a latent defect?

In some cases, the defects do not appear until later on. An example of this would be when the vehicle has already been operated, and has had some usage. This specific type of motor vehicle defect is commonly referred to as a latent defect.

What happens when a product is defective?

When a product is defective, or is considered in some way to be dangerous to the average consumer, the incident could result in a product liability lawsuit. In terms of a defective vehicle, this would be a defective car lawsuit. Automotive product liability laws in general will be further discussed below.

What is product liability in automotive?

Automotive product liability generally falls under the category of product liability. According to products liability law, products that are sold into the stream of commerce are required to meet the ordinary expectations of consumers. What this means is that the product should work according to how a common purchaser would assume the product to work.

What can a personal injury attorney do?

An experienced and local personal injury attorney can review the facts of your case, determine who should be on the receiving end of a lawsuit. Finally, an attorney will also be able to help you gather all necessary evidence, and will also be able to represent you in court, as needed.

What is a motor vehicle defect?

Motor vehicle defect cases include claims involving not only passenger automobiles, but also motorcycles, trucks, and vans. Unlike an ordinary personal injury claim for negligence after a motor vehicle accident, in order to establish a vehicle manufacturer or seller's liability for a car defect, you do not need to show that they were careless.

What is a defect in a car?

The defect caused an injury while the vehicle was being used in a way that it was intended to be used. For example, you may not be able to recover if a sports sedan were used to cross a stream. The vehicle had not been substantially changed from the condition in which it was originally sold.

What are punitive damages in vehicle liability?

Punitive damages are intended to punish vehicle manufacturers and encourage them to fix inherent defects in vehicle designs that have resulted in injury.

What is an unreasonably dangerous defect?

The vehicle or one of its components had an "unreasonably dangerous" defect that injured you. The defect can come into existence either in the design of the vehicle, during manufacture, during handling or shipment (i.e. delivery from the manufacturer), or through a failure to warn consumers of a dangerous aspect of the vehicle.

What is the importance of consulting an attorney for product liability?

Additionally, every state has its own laws and specific statutes that will affect a product liability action. Accordingly, it is important to consult an experienced attorney if you or a loved one suffers injury caused by a potentially defective product.

Can a seller defend against a strict liability claim?

The vehicle manufacturer and/or the seller may have a defense to your strict liability claims, particularly if you have owned the vehicle for some time, if it can be shown that you knew about the defect but continued to use the vehicle anyway. This is usually established either through the vehicle's condition (which the manufacturer's or seller's insurance company will be able to examine if you bring a claim) or from your own description of your use of the vehicle. In some states, a manufacturer or seller may also be able to defend against your motor vehicle defect claim under the theory that your contributory or comparative negligence was the cause of, or a factor in, your injuries.

Can a manufacturer defend against a car defect?

In some states, a manufacturer or seller may also be able to defend against your motor vehicle defect claim under the theory that your contributory or comparative negligence was the cause of, or a factor in, your injuries. Thank you for subscribing!

How to prove liability in a manufacturing defect?

To prove liability in a case involving a manufacturing defect, you would need to show that you were injured specifically because of the defect. In a case based on a design defect, you might need to show that a safer alternative design was available that would not have required a significant additional cost.

What are the two types of defects in cars?

Defects in cars usually fall into the categories of either manufacturing defects or design defects . A manufacturing defect involves a vehicle or part that deviated from its intended specifications because of a mistake during the process of making it or delivering it to the consumer. By contrast, a design defect occurs when a manufacturer’s intended design for a car contains a flaw that makes it unreasonably dangerous. These cases sometimes involve cars that were not recalled from the market or consumer use when the manufacturer found out about the defect.

What is a design defect?

By contrast, a design defect occurs when a manufacturer’s intended design for a car contains a flaw that makes it unreasonably dangerous. These cases sometimes involve cars that were not recalled from the market or consumer use when the manufacturer found out about the defect.

What happens if you get injured in a car crash?

Auto Defects. If you have been injured in a car crash, your first instinct may be to sue the driver. In some cases, however, the company that manufactured one of the cars involved or its components may bear some responsibility for the accident. For example, a defective brake may cause a rear-end collision, a defective tire may blow out, ...

Can a manufacturer litigate a case?

However, a manufacturer may litigate a case more aggressively than a driver’s insurer and may be more reluctant to settle. Negligence and product liability claims are not mutually exclusive, and you can include all of the applicable defendants in your complaint.

Can a defective brake cause a rollover?

For example, a defective brake may cause a rear-end collision, a defective tire may blow out, or a flaw in the steering of an SUV may cause a rollover. If someone else who was injured in a crash is suing you, meanwhile, you may be able to avoid liability if you can show that a defect in one of the cars caused the accident rather than your careless ...

Can you sue a car manufacturer for shipping a defective part?

Otherwise, you probably can name both companies in your claim, since the car manufacturer also may be responsible for using a defective part. If the car appears to have been damaged during the process of shipping it, you may be able to sue the shipping company or a distributor that brought the car from the manufacturer to the dealership .

What Are Motor Vehicle Defects?

The owner of a defective car is typically entitled to a repair or replacement free of cost. Sometimes the dealership or manufacturer will notice the defect on its own and offer to repair it by issuing a recall. When the dealership does not offer a recall, the vehicle owners must keep track of the number of times the car needed to be repaired, and if the car spends an excessive amount of time in the shop the owner may be entitled to replacement under Lemon Laws.

What is a defect in a vehicle?

Defect: While any issue with a vehicle may technically be considered a "defect," motor vehicle defects law is primarily concered with defects in systems that support the vehicle's safe operation, such as acceleration, braking, and steering; or those systems designed to protect the vehicle's occupants, like seat belts and airbags.

What is the ability of a vehicle to protect its occupants in a collision?

Crashworthiness: The ability of a vehicle to protect its occupants in a collision.

What is a lemon car?

Lemon: A car that, despite many repair attempts, remains unfit to drive.

Can a defect in a vehicle cause an accident?

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle defects occasionally cause motor vehicle accidents, and when they do the manufacturer may be liable for damages. Insurance Law: Automobile insurance may reimburse its clients for the costs of an accident caused by a vehicle defect.

Is it safe to drive a car?

Every vehicle manufacturer and dealership warrants to its consumers that the cars they sell are safe to drive. However, not every car sold is safe to drive. If some designer made a poor choice or some mistake was made in manufacturing process, drivers could be operating vehicles that contain deadly defects.

Is a vehicle defect a consumer protection law?

Consumer Protection: Motor Vehicle Defect s Law can be considered part of consumer protection law, which governs seller warranties.

What can a consumer lawyer do?

An experienced consumer lawyer will be able to review the terms of your warranty and can use their findings to see if you have a viable claim. If you do, your lawyer can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the appropriate parties and can help you draft any legal documents required for your case.

What to do if warranty is not honored?

If that does not work, then a consumer can also try to negotiate with them for a reduced cost, by offering to pay for some of the repairs or car parts.

How Can I Enforce My Warranty Rights?

The owner of an automobile must notify the car dealer or seller immediately if the terms of an auto warranty have not been satisfied . If the owner continues to drive a vehicle after they discover the defect or issue in question, then they may give up the right to enforce their auto warranty .

What are Some Common Warranty Legal Violations and Issues?

There are a number of legal challenges and issues that can arise in connection with an auto warranty. Some examples of common automobile warranty legal violations and issues include the following:

What is implied warranty?

Most cars come equipped with two implied warranties: an implied warranty of fitness and an implied warranty of merchantability. Unlike an express warranty, implied warranties are not communicated in writing or explicitly promised to a consumer. Instead, they are implied by factors, such as assuming that a new car is in proper working condition.

What is an auto warranty?

An auto warranty is generally defined as a promise or guarantee that is made by a manufacturer or car dealer that it will replace a vehicle, repair certain car parts that are defective, or that a car is of a particular quality. If a car does not live up to these promises, then a consumer can often demand a replacement, refund, ...

Can a manufacturer honor a warranty?

An auto warranty may not be honored by a manufacturer or dealer if it is expired, the consumer used the car in an unintended way, or if the warranty does not cover the specific issue that a consumer is requesting to be fixed. There are some instances, however, where a manufacturer or car dealer may intentionally not honor an auto warranty, ...

What to consider before calling a car dealership lawyer?

Before calling a car dealership lawyer you should consider getting all the necessary details ready for your auto fraud case. This includes knowing which parties are involved and the details of the damages, such as evidence of fraudulent sales practices. There are several actions that our car dealership lawyers can take to compensate you for your damages and help you spot signs of car fraud to continue a valid case.

Why are auto lawyers so helpful?

Auto Lawyers are very helpful for consumers who purchased a bad car because they can apply legal pressure on the dealership that sold the bad vehicle. When consumers buy bad or defective vehicles, it may be difficult for them to actually get the dealership to give them what the law entitles them to.

How to sue a car dealership?

We are auto lawyers that sue car dealerships for bad car sale practices. Call us to speak to our auto attorneys immediately if this happened to you: 1 You bought a car and paid more than the advertised price 2 You bought a car and it broke down soon after you drove off the lot 3 You bought a car without being told that it has been in an accident or that it is defective or has frame damage. 4 You bought a car with a warranty that the dealer won’t honor, or you are being told that your repair is not covered due to an exclusion 5 Your vehicle needs to be repaired soon after you bought it, and the problems date back to the date you bought it 6 Your dealer called you to bring back the car because the financing fell through after 10 days have passed from the date of purchase

How long does it take for a car dealership to respond to a demand letter?

The dealership usually has 30 days to respond to the demand letter, but they do not always respond. In the event that the dealership gives no response, certain legal steps must be taken to legally force the dealer to compensate you for selling you a bad car. Usually, this is where the auto lawyer files a lawsuit against the dealership.

What happens if you buy a car and it breaks down?

You bought a car without being told that it has been in an accident or that it is defective or has frame damage. You bought a car with a warranty that the dealer won’t honor, or you are being told that your repair is not covered due to an exclusion.

Can a car dealer enforce your rights?

A Car Lawyer Can Enforce Your Rights. A car lawyer can enforce your rights if the car dealer sold you a bad vehicle. It is usually difficult for a consumer to sue the dealership without a car dealership lawyer by their side.

Can you sue a car dealer in California?

Under California law, car buyers are legally able to sue their dealers for not telling the truth about the vehicle. Our legal team and lawyers against car dealerships gather evidence for a lawsuit against dealers that rip off buyers. Used car dealer fraud is common, if you are a victim, our lawyers who deal with car dealerships can help you get ...