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If a defective vehicle or auto part caused your injuries, you may have the right to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or another company involved in the vehicle’s design or production. These claims often involve defective brakes, airbags, tires, steering systems, seatbelts, or electronic safety features that fail during normal use or during a crash.
Product liability cases against automakers are different from ordinary car accident claims. In many situations, the focus is not on driver negligence, but on whether the vehicle or component was unreasonably dangerous.
What Is an Auto Product Liability Claim?
An auto product liability claim is a legal action based on injuries caused by a defective vehicle or vehicle component. California law may allow you to pursue compensation when a defect contributes to a crash or makes injuries worse during an accident.
These claims generally fall into three categories:
- Design defects: The product was dangerous because of the way it was designed.
- Manufacturing defects: A mistake occurred while the vehicle or part was being made.
- Failure to warn: The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings or safety instructions.
For example, a rollover-prone SUV, defective airbags that fail to deploy, or brakes that stop working unexpectedly may all lead to product liability claims.
What Should You Do After a Crash Involving a Defective Vehicle?
The steps you take after the accident can directly affect your ability to pursue a claim.
If you suspect a vehicle defect contributed to the crash:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Preserve the vehicle whenever possible
- Avoid repairing or disposing of the vehicle
- Take photographs of the damage and accident scene
- Keep maintenance and repair records
- Save recall notices or dealership communications
- Speak with an attorney before giving statements to the manufacturer or insurer
In many cases, the damaged vehicle becomes one of the most important pieces of evidence. Repairs, salvage disposal, or destruction of the vehicle may make it harder to prove the defect later.
How Do You Prove an Auto Manufacturer Was Liable?
Product liability claims often require detailed investigation and technical analysis. You generally must show that:
- The vehicle or part contained a defect
- The defect existed when the product left the manufacturer, or the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about a known or knowable risk.
- The defect substantially contributed to your injuries
Unlike some other injury claims, California product liability law may allow injured people to pursue compensation without proving the manufacturer intended to cause harm or acted recklessly.
Evidence in these cases may include:
- Crash data recorder information
- Recall history
- Engineering reports
- Vehicle inspection findings
- Internal manufacturer documents
- Expert analysis
- Maintenance records
- Accident reconstruction evidence
Large auto manufacturers often dispute defect allegations. They may argue that driver error, improper maintenance, aftermarket modifications, or misuse caused the problem instead.
Which Vehicle Defects Commonly Lead to Claims?
Certain vehicle defects appear repeatedly in serious injury litigation.
Common examples include:
- Airbag deployment failures
- Defective seatbelts
- Tire tread separation
- Brake failures
- Steering malfunctions
- Roof crush defects in rollovers
- Fuel system fires
- Defective ignition switches
- Backup camera or sensor failures
- Electric vehicle battery fires
Some defects lead to nationwide recalls, while others only become apparent after multiple crashes or lawsuits reveal a pattern.
Can You Pursue a Claim if There Was a Recall?
Yes. A recall does not prevent you from pursuing a product liability claim. In fact, recall evidence may help support your case in some situations.
However, the existence of a recall does not automatically guarantee compensation. The manufacturer may still dispute whether the defect caused the collision or your injuries.
You may also still have a claim even if no recall existed at the time of the crash. Many dangerous defects are identified only after multiple incidents occur.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in an Auto Defect Case?
Compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and the financial and personal impact of the crash.
Damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
In fatal accident cases, surviving family members may also pursue wrongful death claims.
Why Auto Manufacturer Claims Are Often More Complex
Claims against automakers are frequently more complicated than standard injury cases because they involve technical engineering issues, corporate records, and extensive expert analysis.
Manufacturers often have legal teams and engineering consultants working to minimize liability early in the process. Preserving evidence and investigating the defect quickly can make a significant difference.
Working with attorneys familiar with vehicle defect litigation may help protect your ability to pursue compensation and identify whether additional liable parties are involved.
Speak With a California Product Liability Lawyer About Your Case
When a defective vehicle or auto part causes serious injuries, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and questions about what went wrong. We help injured clients investigate product liability claims against auto manufacturers and pursue compensation for the harm defective vehicles can cause.
Contact Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook to discuss your accident and learn how we may be able to help with your California auto product liability claim.