When a car accident occurs due to a defective auto part, the legal landscape becomes significantly more complex than typical motor vehicle collision cases. Defective parts can cause catastrophic accidents even when drivers operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. Whether it’s faulty brakes that fail to engage, defective tires that blow out at highway speeds, or malfunctioning airbags that deploy improperly, these product failures can result in severe injuries and complicated liability questions requiring immediate legal attention.
At Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, we have successfully handled complex product liability cases involving defective automotive parts for over 65 years. Our experienced attorneys understand how to investigate these cases thoroughly and hold manufacturers accountable for dangerous products that cause serious injuries.
Immediate Steps After a Defective Part Accident
Your first priority following any accident should be seeking immediate medical attention, even if you feel uninjured initially. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and some conditions like traumatic brain injuries may not present symptoms immediately. Once you receive medical care, begin documenting everything related to the accident and the suspected defective part.
Preserve the vehicle and the suspected defective part if possible. Do not allow insurance companies or repair shops to dispose of your vehicle without consulting an attorney first. The defective part serves as crucial evidence in your case, and its destruction could significantly harm your ability to prove your claim. Take photographs of the accident scene, your vehicle, and the specific part you believe malfunctioned.
Gathering Critical Evidence
Contact law enforcement to file an accident report, making sure to mention your suspicion that a defective part contributed to the accident. Request a copy of the police report once it becomes available. Collect contact information from all witnesses who saw the accident or observed your vehicle’s behavior before the crash.
Keep all maintenance records for your vehicle, including recent repairs or part replacements. These documents can help establish whether the defective part was original equipment or an aftermarket replacement. Additionally, research whether any recalls or safety notices have been issued for the specific part or your vehicle model.
Types of Defective Auto Parts That Cause Accidents
Brake system failures represent one of the most dangerous types of defective auto parts. When brake pads, rotors, brake lines, or brake fluid systems malfunction, drivers lose the ability to stop their vehicles safely. These failures often result in rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, or vehicles running off roadways at high speeds.
Tire defects including tread separation, sidewall blowouts, or manufacturing flaws can cause drivers to lose control suddenly. These failures are particularly dangerous at highway speeds and can lead to rollover accidents or multi-vehicle collisions. Steering system defects such as power steering failures or defective steering columns can make vehicles impossible to control during critical moments.
Electronic System Malfunctions
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems that can malfunction and cause accidents. Defective electronic stability control systems may fail to prevent skidding or rollover accidents. Malfunctioning cruise control systems can cause vehicles to accelerate unexpectedly or fail to respond to brake inputs. Engine control module failures can cause sudden acceleration or complete loss of power while driving.
Airbag defects have received significant attention in recent years due to widespread recalls. Airbags that fail to deploy during accidents or deploy with excessive force can cause serious injuries or death. Similarly, defective seatbelts that fail during accidents can result in occupants being ejected from vehicles or suffering more severe injuries than would otherwise occur.
Understanding Product Liability Law
Product liability cases involving defective auto parts typically fall into three categories: design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn. Design defects exist when the part’s design is inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly. Manufacturing defects occur when parts are designed safely but something goes wrong during production, creating dangerous variations from the intended design.
Failure to warn claims arise when manufacturers know about potential dangers but fail to provide adequate warnings or instructions to consumers. In auto part cases, this might involve failing to warn about proper installation procedures or known limitations of the part’s performance under certain conditions.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
Defective auto part cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties. The part manufacturer bears primary responsibility for designing, manufacturing, and testing their products safely. The vehicle manufacturer may also be liable if they knew or should have known about defects in parts they installed as original equipment.
Auto dealerships and repair shops can face liability if they installed defective parts incorrectly or failed to inform customers about known safety issues. In some cases, parts distributors or retailers may also bear responsibility for selling defective products or failing to relay important safety information to consumers.
Contact Our Experienced Product Liability Attorneys
Defective auto part cases require immediate action to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. These complex cases demand attorneys with experience handling product liability claims and the resources to take on large manufacturers and their insurance companies. The sooner you contact legal counsel, the better your chances of building a strong case and recovering full compensation for your injuries.
Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson has been Austin’s premier personal injury law firm since 1959, earning recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Law Firms in the U.S. Our Board Certified Personal Injury attorneys have recovered over $100 million for clients while maintaining a 98% success rate. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. To discuss your potential defective auto part claim, call us at (512) 454-3751 or submit our contact form.
