In the first quarter of 2025, BizzyCar reported that there were 3.46 million vehicles recalled in the US. Unfortunately, 90.5% of them pose a risk of crash or injury. Ford, with more than 1 million vehicles affected, topped the recalls list.
Atlanta catastrophic injury attorneys say any personal injury that causes severe long-term or permanent harm can qualify as a catastrophic injury. Common catastrophic injuries that can affect a person’s life include amputations, birth injuries, psychological trauma, traumatic brain injuries, severe bone fractures, severe burns, and spinal cord injuries.
Vehicular malfunctions like brake failures and tire explosions can cause an accident. If this happens to you, you have the right to be compensated for the damage. This article will keep you educated on what to do step by step.
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Types of Vehicle Defects and Their Impacts
Vehicle defects and faults are divided into categories. All this can affect a vehicle’s safety and performance.
Mechanical defects caused by brake failure or tire explosions can cause you to lose control, leading to your injury and the injury of those who are with you, and even property damage.
Electrical failures, like unlit headlights or deployed airbags, can limit your visibility while on the road and can make you prone to accidents. Rust can cause structural damage in a car, which can pose a risk to the entirety of the vehicle and give way to serious crash incidents. Software errors can often restrain the navigation and safety systems of modern vehicles.
Familiarize yourself with such defects so you’ll know what action steps to take when encountering any of these. You can also avoid any incident and minimize any possible liability lawsuits.
Common Causes of Accidents Due to Defective Vehicles
A faulty vehicle can certainly cause road accidents. System failure may prohibit you from stopping your vehicle at the moment.
According to Lemon Law Pro, lemon laws in California offer legal help for consumers who have leased or purchased a defective new vehicle. The objective of this law is to protect consumers from being stuck with a “lemon,” which refers to a vehicle with huge defects that a manufacturer or dealership can no longer repair despite numerous attempts.
Tire defects can lead to explosions, possibly due to manufacturing defects or negligence in maintenance, which leads to losing control of the vehicle. Some failures lead to steering defects.
Your driving visibility, especially at night, may be restricted by low-output headlights. Minor accidents can also be apparent if airbags fail to deploy.
Recognizing the Signs of a Defective Vehicle
As an owner, there are also early signs and symptoms of mechanical failure that you should consider, such as a strange noise while driving, grinding, or squeaking.
You may identify issues with the primary systems by observing the dashboard warning lights. Spongy brakes or loose steering are indicators.
Watch out for accumulation of fluids under the vehicle, as this can pose a serious concern.
Another indication is when the car suddenly runs out of gas or you feel strange vibrations. Be mindful of any early signs of defects so you can detect and be proactive against any possible accident.
Legal Rights and Options for Victims of Vehicle Defects
The degree of defect in your vehicle can give you an opportunity for financial recovery.
If the defect is due to design, manufacturing, or failure to warn, you can file a product liability lawsuit.
If the defect has injured you, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Keep all the injury evidence and reports, such as accident reports and medical records.
To avoid a void claim, submit all requirements within the statute of limitations. A trusted lawyer can inform you of your rights and guide you throughout the legal process so you can be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, physical pain and emotional suffering.
Steps to Take After an Accident Involving a Defective Vehicle
Be calm when you experience an accident with a defective vehicle.
Inspect for any possible injury you have sustained and look for a safe place. Contact an ambulance whenever necessary.
Document the scene and situation by taking photographs of the involved vehicles, damages, and vicinity. You can also obtain important information by interviewing witnesses.
File a claim with your insurance provider, specifying the accident that happened and the involvement of your defective vehicle. Seek immediate medical consultation despite the absence of any symptoms because such symptoms may develop over time. Schedule a consultation with a lawyer specialized in defective vehicle cases to help you fight for your rights and get compensated.
It is important that you understand the risk associated with defective vehicles. You need to preempt and stay educated on the possible defects and errors you may need to deal with in the future. Fight for your rights and don’t hesitate to work on getting compensated.
