How Defective Auto Parts Can Lead to Catastrophic Crashes

How Defective Auto Parts Can Lead to Catastrophic Crashes

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A car is a complex machine that can function properly only when thousands of parts work in perfect harmony. When one of these parts fails or malfunctions due to a defect, the consequences can be catastrophic. Whether it is a faulty tire, steering system, or brakes, defective components can turn a routine drive into a disaster and result in serious and potentially fatal injuries. 

Accidents Caused by Defective Auto Parts: What the Numbers Say 

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that defective parts are responsible for 2% of auto accidents annually, which translates into more than 44,000 accidents each year. In 2023, over 30 million vehicles were recalled due to safety concerns. The three largest automakers in the US – Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Tesla – paid a combined total of $10 billion in warranty claims, including recalls, during the same year.

One of the most widely known examples of defective auto parts and the risks they can pose is the issue of Takata airbags. Due to the use of ammonium nitrate, these airbags happened to deploy abruptly without any trigger and also explode at times, causing serious injuries. To date, more than two dozen fatalities and over 400 injuries have been attributed to this defect. 

Common Auto Part Defects That Can Lead to Accidents

Brake Failures

Faulty brake systems are one of the most dangerous defects, as they directly impact a driver’s ability to stop the vehicle in time. Problems can include worn brake pads, defective anti-lock braking systems (ABS), or malfunctioning brake lines.

Tire Defects

Defective tires are susceptible to blowouts and can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. These defects can be particularly hazardous at high speeds or during inclement weather.

Steering System Malfunctions

Problems with the steering system like defective power steering components or loose steering columns can make it difficult or impossible for a driver to maintain control of the vehicle.

Defective Lights

Defective headlights, brake lights, or turn signals can reduce visibility and affect communication between drivers, which can increase the risk of accidents, especially at night or during adverse weather conditions.

Electrical System Issues

Electrical defects can cause a range of problems, from non-functioning safety features like windshield wipers to complete engine shutdowns while driving, endangering everyone on the road.

What Are the Different Types of Auto Part Defects? 

  • Design Defects: A design defect occurs when there is a problem in an auto part’s design. This type of defect makes the part unsafe for its intended use. For example, if a vehicle’s fuel tank is poorly designed and is prone to rupture in the event of a collision, it can lead to an increased risk of fire or explosion. 
  • Manufacturing Defects: A manufacturing defect happens when an auto part is incorrectly made, even though the design itself is safe. This type of defect arises during the production process due to human error, faulty machinery, or subpar materials. For example, if a brake component is assembled with the wrong material or incorrectly welded, it can increase the risk of brake failure. 
  • Warning Defects: A warning defect refers to the failure of a manufacturer to provide adequate information about the proper maintenance or use of a part or warnings about the potential hazards related to it. For instance, if a manufacturer of tires fails to warn consumers about the risk of under-inflation and its effects on tire performance, they could be liable for any resulting accidents. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Accident Caused by a Defective Auto Part in Georgia? 

  • The Parts Manufacturer: Manufacturers are required by law to ensure their products are safe and free from defects that could pose a danger to consumers. If an auto part is found to be defectively designed, produced, or tested, the manufacturer can be held responsible for any resulting accidents or injuries. They can also be held liable if they fail to issue recalls when defects are identified.
  • The Vehicle Manufacturer: The vehicle manufacturer can be held liable for failing to properly inspect, identify, and address the defect in question before selling the vehicles. 
  • The Supplier or Distributor: Suppliers and distributors can be held liable if they knowingly distribute defective parts or fail to inform consumers about potential risks. 
  • The Dealership: If a defective part is sold through a dealership, and if the defect in question was known to them and they failed to warn the consumers, they can be held liable. 

Proving Strict Liability in a Defective Auto Product Accident Claim

Strict liability is a legal concept that imposes liability on a party without the need to prove fault, negligence, or intent. In product defect cases, if a product is defectively designed, manufactured, or lacks proper warnings, the responsible party can be held liable for any injuries that result from the defect, even if they were not negligent in their actions. The key aspect of strict liability is that the focus is on the defect and its consequences, rather than the behavior of the defendant.

How Strict Liability Differs from Negligence

In a negligence claim, the injured party must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the injury through their careless actions. On the other hand, in a strict liability claim, the injured party does not need to prove any kind of negligence or recklessness on the defendant’s part. 

They only need to prove that the product was defectively designed, manufactured, or lacked adequate warnings and that the defect caused their injury. Even if the defendant was not negligent in any way, they can still be held liable for the defect.

Legal Elements to Be Proved in a Strict Liability Claim in Georgia

  • The auto part in question was defectively designed, manufactured, or lacked proper warnings. 
  • The defect existed when the auto part left the manufacturer or distributor’s control and no alterations were made to it before the accident.
  • The defect in question directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries. 
  • You operated the vehicle as it was meant to be operated and with reasonable care. 

How to Establish Fault and Liability in a Defective Auto Part Claim 

In order to establish the fault and liability of the parts manufacturer, and other parties if any, in a defective auto part claim, you need a wide range of evidence. This can include: 

  • Inspection and Diagnostic Reports: A thorough examination of the vehicle by a qualified mechanic or engineer can identify the defect, its nature, and how it contributed to the failure that caused the crash.
  • Expert Testimony: Automotive engineers, safety analysts, and accident reconstruction experts can provide technical insights into the defect and its role in the accident. Their testimony is crucial for simplifying complex mechanical issues for a judge or jury.
  • Product Recall Information: Evidence that the defective part was subject to a recall or that there were prior complaints about it can demonstrate that the manufacturer or distributor was aware of the issue.
  • Manufacturing Related Documents: Internal records such as design schematics, manufacturing specifications, quality control logs, and testing results can reveal flaws in the design or production process.
  • Maintenance and Repair Records: Proof that the vehicle was well-maintained can eliminate the argument that the defect resulted from poor upkeep. This is particularly important if the manufacturer claims user negligence as a defense.
  • Sales and Purchase Records: Receipts, warranties, and documentation of where and when the part or vehicle was purchased can establish a timeline for the defect’s liability.
  • Consumer Complaints and Safety Reports: Complaints filed with agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can reveal patterns of similar defects in the same product.
  • Test Results from Independent Labs: Independent testing of the defective part can confirm its failure to meet safety standards or design expectations.
  • Black Box Data: If the vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (commonly known as a black box), the data can provide valuable insights into vehicle performance and the failure of the defective part immediately before the accident.
  • Manufacturer Communication: Emails, memos, or other correspondence from the manufacturer or distributor can reveal knowledge of the defect and a failure to take action.

Injured by a Defective Auto Part? Our Georgia Product Liability Attorneys Will Fight to Maximize Your Compensation

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a defective auto part, you need an experienced attorney who is prepared to fight hard to get the justice and compensation you need. 

At Miller Injury Trial Law, our founder Tanya Miller brings in-depth legal knowledge to the table and has a strong track record of success in complex auto accident cases. Whether your accident was caused by a design flaw, a manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings, Tanya can hold the manufacturer and other at-fault parties accountable and fight tirelessly to get the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let a defective auto part derail your life. Call Miller Injury Trial Law today at 855-44MILLER or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our seasoned Georgia defective auto part accident lawyers.