Vehicle Defects

Vehicle Defect Attorneys

Holding Negligent Auto Manufacturers Accountable

All product designers, manufacturers, and distributors—including those involved in the product of autos and auto parts—are required to conduct adequate testing and ensure that their products are reasonably safe for typical consumer use. Unfortunately, manufacturers frequently expedite safety testing and push unsafe products onto the market in an effort to increase their profits. For consumers who unknowingly use these flawed products, the consequences can be catastrophic.

If you were injured in an accident and you believe a defective vehicle design or part could have played a role in the crash, reach out to Dunk Law Firm as soon as possible. We can investigate your claim to determine if an auto recall or defective part was to blame for your accident and, if so, can fight to hold the liable manufacturer accountable for your damages. We look at all available evidence in order to obtain a full and clear picture of what happened leading up to the crash, including whether a vehicle defect contributed to or caused the accident.

From multiple office locations, we serve clients throughout the United States. Contact us at (800) 674-9339 to schedule a free initial consultation today.

Common Vehicle Defects

There are three main ways in which a product can be defective:

• Defective Design: A vehicle has a defective design when its actual design renders it unsafe for normal use. For example, if a pickup truck has an unreasonably high center of gravity, causing it to roll over extremely easily, even when traveling at low speeds, it might have a design defect.
• Defective Manufacturing: If a flaw is introduced during the production stage, this is known as a manufacturing defect. For example, if a seatbelt is designed correctly but it is improperly installed into a vehicle, this is a manufacturing defect.
• Defective Labeling: A labeling, or “marketing,” defect occurs when a product lacks proper safety warnings or instruction labels. For example, if an airbag does not include warnings about potential risks for young children in the front seat, this could be a labeling defect.

Determining the type of defect is important, as it often points to the liable party. For example, the designer of a defective vehicle would be legally liable for injuries and harm caused by the vehicle’s design defect; a manufacturer that incorrectly installs seatbelts into certain models would be liable for damages that result from the manufacturing defect.

In addition to the different types of vehicle defects, some examples of actual auto parts that are often defective and/or recalled include:

• Tires
• Airbags
• Seatbelts
• Brakes
• Steering systems
• Engine parts
• Gas tanks
• Electrical systems
• Transmissions

When these and other defective auto parts fail, it can lead to devastating and even fatal accidents. You shouldn’t have to simply suffer the consequences on your own—and our auto defect attorneys can help.

Determining Whether Your Vehicle Was Defective

If your vehicle has been the subject of a recall, it mostly likely contained (or contains) one or more defects. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a list of auto recalls here on its website. You will need to know your vehicle’s 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) in order to check to see if your vehicle has any recalls.

It’s important to note that just because a company has issued a recall on a vehicle/vehicle part, this does not mean they are not responsible for damages resulting from that defect. Additionally, just because a vehicle has not been recalled, that does not mean it does not contain a defect. The best way to determine if your vehicle is defective—and whether the defect was what led to your accident—is to speak to a skilled and experienced auto defect lawyer.

Reach Out to Our Firm Today

At Dunk Law Firm, we have the experience, resources, and skill to assist you with your vehicle defect claim. Our attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of ordinary consumers and holding large, negligent corporations accountable when they prioritize profits over public safety. We believe that you deserve to be compensated for all of your damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team is prepared to advocate tirelessly for you throughout the entire legal process and, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will even take your case to trial.

At our firm, we genuinely care about helping you get back on your feet. We know that you are likely facing a number of significant challenges, and we want to help you overcome these challenges. We provide free initial consultations, and there are no fees unless we win your case.