We usually think of car accidents as collisions caused by one driver’s careless or reckless actions, but what if instead, your accident happened because you suddenly found that your brakes or steering system didn’t work or your engine abruptly died in traffic? In fault-based car accident states like Texas, we typically file a car accident claim for property damage and medical expenses against a negligent driver’s insurance, but what are your rights after an accident caused by an automotive defect?
What Types of Automotive Defects Cause Texas Car Accidents?
An automotive defect accident can be caused by a defective part or may result from a defective vehicle. Common automotive defects that are responsible for serious Texas car accidents include the following:
- Steering system defects
- Defective brakes
- Defective Tires
- Defective turn signal lights
- Defective brake lights, headlights, or taillights
- Engine failures
- Transmission failures
In some cases, a defective automotive part may not cause an accident, but it may increase the severity of injuries. For instance, when an airbag doesn’t function properly.
After an accident caused by an automotive defect, an injury victim has the right to seek compensation for their damages from the liable party.
Understanding Liability In Automotive Defect Accident Claims In Texas
The Texas modified comparative negligence law operates under the contributory fault doctrine, allowing an injury victim to pursue compensation from all parties who caused or contributed to the accident. When the at-fault party is another driver, the facts must prove their negligence, such as failing to yield the right of way or texting and driving.
However, when an accident results from a defective auto part or system, it becomes a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Instead of proving negligence, this type of claim requires evidence demonstrating one of the following legal standards of strict liability for manufacturers:
- The autopart had a design defect that made it unsafe, or
- A manufacturing error occurred during production, causing a dangerous defect, or
- A marketing failure occurred, such as incomplete installation instructions or insufficient warning labels
Depending on the circumstances of the case, an injury victim has the right to seek compensation from both a negligent driver who caused the accident and additional compensation through a defective product claim against a manufacturer if an automotive defect contributed to the cause or severity of the accident and injuries.
What Types of Accidents Result From Automotive Defects?
An experienced driver expects their car to function as intended: apply the brakes and the car slows and stops, turn the steering wheel and the vehicle turns. It’s shocking and traumatic when a sudden mechanical failure results in a crash. Automotive defects cause accidents such as the following:
- Rear-end collisions due to brake failures in the rear vehicle or brake light failures in the front vehicle
- Roadway departures, head-on collisions, or sideswipes due to steering failures
- Tire blowout accidents
- Collisions in intersections due to failed brakes or failed turn signal lights
- Rollover accidents caused by an auto manufacturer that designed an overly high or top-heavy vehicle
- Collisions caused by a poor vehicle design, such as a wide A-pillar support that blocks the view on the side of the windshield
After an accident caused by a defective part or a vehicle design defect, a personal injury victim has the right to seek compensation from the manufacturer through a product liability claim.
How Can an Automotive Defect Accident Attorney Help Me?
An experienced defective product lawyer navigates the unique process required of this type of accident claim while carefully protecting your right to full compensation for your financial losses, as well as compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact us today.