The moment of realization that your vehicle’s failure caused an accident can be highly upsetting for you and anyone else involved in the accident. Whether it’s a sudden brake malfunction, a steering system that fails without warning, or an airbag that deploys improperly, defective vehicle components can transform a routine drive into a serious accident. In these critical moments, understanding your legal rights becomes essential as you face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the daunting task of holding large automotive manufacturers accountable for their negligence.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, established in 1959, we are dedicated to representing victims of defective vehicle accidents. Our Austin defective vehicle lawyers bring decades of experience in product liability law to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve after suffering injuries from an automotive defect.
Understanding Vehicle Defect Cases in Texas
Vehicle defect cases fall under product liability law, which holds manufacturers, distributors, and sellers responsible when their products cause injury due to defects or dangerous design. Unlike standard car accident claims, where you must prove another driver’s negligence, defective vehicle cases require establishing a flaw in the vehicle itself caused or contributed to your accident and subsequent injuries.
These cases typically involve three main categories of defects. These include the following:
- Manufacturing defects: Errors that occur during production that cause a vehicle or component to deviate from its intended design
- Design defects: Fundamental flaws in the vehicle’s engineering that make it inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly
- Marketing defects: Failures to provide adequate warnings or instructions about known risks
Our team of trusted and experienced defective vehicle attorneys will launch a full investigation into the details of your case to ensure we are able to collect the key evidence needed to help you get the justice you deserve.
What Are Common Vehicle Defects That Lead to Accidents?
Our Austin defective vehicle lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving numerous vehicle defects that cause serious injuries. Some of the vehicle defects that often have been found to be the cause of damaging accidents and subsequent injuries for victims include the following:
- Brake system failures that prevent stopping in emergency situations
- Airbag malfunctions, including failure to deploy, excessive deployment force, or unintended deployment
- Seat belt defects that fail to restrain occupants during collisions
- Fuel system issues leading to fires or explosions after crashes
- Electronic stability control system failures resulting in rollovers
- Tire defects causing blowouts at highway speeds
- Steering system malfunctions causing loss of vehicle control
- Structural weaknesses that compromise crash protection
- Defective accelerator pedals causing sudden unintended acceleration
- Faulty electrical systems that disable safety features
The consequences of these defects can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries and costly losses. If you have been harmed in an accident due to a defective vehicle, contact our legal team today.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Vehicle Defects in Texas?
Determining liability in defective vehicle cases requires identifying everyone in the chain of distribution who may share responsibility for your injuries and losses. Our defective vehicle attorneys thoroughly investigate all potential defendants.
The parties who may be found liable in your case are as follows:
- Vehicle manufacturers who designed and assembled the automobile
- Component manufacturers who produced specific defective parts
- Parts suppliers who provided materials used in manufacturing
- Car dealerships or automotive retailers who sold the vehicle
- Distributors who transported and delivered the vehicle or parts
Even if you purchased your vehicle used, the dealer may still be liable in certain circumstances, as anyone in the distribution chain can potentially be held responsible for injuries caused by defective products. To ensure you are able to identify the liable party or parties in your defective vehicle claim, contact our Texas defective vehicle lawyers today to begin the process of building your case.
Can You Recover Damages in Defective Vehicle Cases?
If you’ve been injured due to a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. The damages you may be eligible to recover for your claim include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment and disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- In fatal cases, wrongful death damages
To ensure you are able to recover the best possible settlement for your case, contact our trusted legal team today.
Contact Our Austin Defective Vehicle Attorney For Help With Your Case
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a vehicle defect, don’t face the automotive manufacturers and their insurance companies alone. The experienced Austin personal injury lawyers at Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP are ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact us today at (512) 454-3751 or through our contact form to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward holding manufacturers accountable for their defective vehicles.
