The vast majority of car accidents are caused by human error. Speeding, failing to yield, driving impaired and other mistakes cause around 95% of all traffic accidents, according to one study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
But negligent drivers aren’t the only reason cars crash. Though car safety features have improved by leaps and bounds over the years, defective auto parts are still known to cause crashes.
Determining that faulty cars caused your crash can be a daunting task. However, the lawyers at PARRIS Law Firm can fully examine the circumstances of your accident. Our legal team will do whatever it takes to protect your rights after your accident.
Below, we have included some of the most common vehicle defects that may lead to car accidents—and how PARRIS auto defect attorneys can help you get the recovery you need.
Common Auto Defects That Cause Car Accidents
Defective car parts and vehicles cause accidents and injuries when a component fails to work as intended. Unfortunately, numerous parts can fail when they are improperly designed or installed. Here are the most common car defects which lead to accidents.
Airbags
Airbags are designed to cushion the impact of a car accident by inflating and quickly deflating during a crash, protecting the passenger from slamming against the inside of the car.
However, sometimes the airbags fail to deploy during a crash. This can occur due to electrical defects in the vehicle, defective crash sensors, or problems with the airbag itself.
In one defective airbag case, the airbags manufactured by one company exploded upon deployment if the airbag was exposed to high heat or humidity.
Other times, airbags will deploy randomly, whether due to environmental conditions or a faulty airbag system in the car. Either way, the manufacturer is responsible for putting you and the occupants of your car at risk.
Ignition System
Your vehicle’s ignition system is crucial to ensuring your vehicle operates as intended. Once you turn the key in the ignition lock cylinder (or, in newer cars, press the button to start), the ignition switch activates specific electrical systems in your vehicle and starts the engine.
A defective ignition switch could cause a car’s motor to stop while driving, which would disable the power steering, power brakes, airbags, and other important systems in the vehicle.
Such was the case for certain GM cars. In this case, faulty ignition systems in certain Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion cars would shut off the engine while the cars were in motion. This auto defect caused hundreds of crashes and, most tragically, at least 124 deaths.
Brakes
Brakes must work correctly every single time. Vehicle owners are responsible for maintaining their brakes by replacing their brake pads when they’re worn.
However, brake systems can fail due to manufacturer errors or faulty installation. If a car’s brake lines, rotors, boosters, or any part of the system fails while the car is in motion, the results can be catastrophic for the driver.
Tires
Tire manufacturers make tires with different life spans. It is crucial to make sure you change your tires before they expire to avoid risking a blowout.
However, tires can also be defective. If a manufacturer constructed the tire improperly or a mechanic installed or repaired a tire incorrectly, the tire may blow out while the car is in motion. This could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into an object, pedestrian, or another driver.
Fuel System
Your car’s fuel system sends gasoline through the vehicle, powering the engine. According to Cars.com, fuel systems are generally built to last and are unlikely to require regular maintenance.
Because a fuel system’s job is to transport highly flammable liquid, the fuel system must be protected from both the elements and trauma due to an accident.
If an accident causes a fuel system to catch fire, the fuel system may have been faulty. Such was the case for several 1970s-era Ford Pinto models, which were susceptible to car fires following low-speed collisions due to a defective fuel system.
Power Steering
Cars today have power steering systems that make turning the steering wheel much easier than in older models. However, a defective power steering pump can cause this system to fail.
If your power steering system were to fail while the car was in motion, you might lose control of the car, causing it to crash.
Windshield Wipers
Defective windshield wipers can also lead to an accident when they fail during heavy rain or snowfall, which can lead to dangerous visibility problems. Several car manufacturers have issued recalls for models with faulty windshield wiper ball joints.
PARRIS Auto Defect Attorneys, Fighting for You
Car manufacturers have a duty to keep consumers like you safe in their vehicles. When they put profits over people, accidents, injuries, and even deaths can result.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, it may have been caused by a defective part. Contacting the car accident lawyers at PARRIS Law Firm is the best way to explore your recovery options and protect your rights.
Why PARRIS Auto Defect Lawyers?
Hiring an attorney to fight for your family after an accident is never a task one should take lightly. PARRIS Law Firm has been fighting for victims of auto accidents since 1985, achieving exceptional results on their behalf. Some of our recent victories include:
- A $23 million settlement for the victim of a rollover crash
- A $49.6 million verdict for an on-duty CHP officer rear-ended on his motorcycle
- A $120 million verdict for a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a T-bone accident
But an outstanding auto defect lawyer must provide more than just excellent results. At PARRIS, we make sure that our clients receive the care and compassion they need at every step of their case. That means arranging the medical care you need, answering every question you may have, providing updates on your case, and checking up on your well-being.
At PARRIS, you’ll receive the care, compassion, and personalized attention you deserve from an entire team dedicated to your case.
Auto Defect Cases Can Be Complex
When a car defect causes an accident, determining which entities are at fault for the crash can get complicated.
For instance, say a faulty tire ruptures while you’re driving, causing you to lose control of your vehicle and hit a tree. The parties at fault for this accident may include:
- The company that manufactured the car
- The company that manufactured the tire
- The firm that installed the tire
In addition, your team will have to show that you, the driver and victim, carry no responsibility for causing the crash. Insurance companies will often do whatever they can to decrease their liability for causing your accident, and sometimes their bad faith tactics include blaming you for their own mistakes.
A legal team experienced in dealing with auto defect accident cases is absolutely crucial to standing up to insurance companies and getting the recovery you need. At PARRIS, we have the experience and resources to fight insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring you receive the best result possible for your case and circumstances.
Get A Free Auto Defect Consultation
At PARRIS, we believe that high-caliber legal services should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we take cases on contingency: you won’t pay a cent in legal fees unless we obtain a favorable settlement or verdict on your behalf.
The PARRIS team is available 24/7 to help you through this time. Contact us today for a free review of your case.
