Car Accidents Involving a Defective Vehicle

If you were involved in a car accident and either you or another driver was driving a defective vehicle, you may have a product liability claim in addition to a negligent driving claim against the other driver. Some examples of motor vehicle defects that have been the subject of lawsuits include SUVs that are prone to roll over, ignition switch failures, faulty steering components, accelerator/brake malfunction, and explosive airbags. Below is more information about the responsible parties that may be involved in a defective car claim.

Product liability claims involving defective cars generally fall under two categories: defectively manufactured vehicles (or vehicle parts) and vehicles with an unreasonably dangerous design. Defective manufacturing of vehicle may be the result of a mistake at the manufacturing facility, or a problem that occurs during shipping or at the dealership. Examples of defective manufacturing include sticky pedal mechanism, faulty tire treads, and cracked gas lines.  Defective design involves motor vehicles or parts that are unreasonably dangerous even when manufactured correctly.  Defective auto designs can include negligent placement of gas tanks that make them prone to exploding, or negligent design of the car's frame so that it is inadequate to protect its occupants in the event of a collision.  

In most motor vehicle product liability claims, you can include all participants in the “chain of distribution” of the vehicle or vehicle part involved in your case.  The chain of distribution includes all parties that were part of the transporting, selling or storing of the defective vehicles or defective vehicle parts.  These parties can include the following:

• The automaker – In most cases, the vehicle manufacturer is a large company with money to compensate you for your injuries.  However these manufacturers also have a highly capable and well-funded legal team to handle injury claims. Our defective car attorneys are qualified to take on automakers and manufacturers.
• Parts manufacturer – If your injury was caused by a specific automotive part, such as an airbag, seatbelt, or tire, the parts manufacturer may also be liable for your injury.
• Dealership or auto supply shop – The dealership, or auto supply shop, that sold the defective vehicle or part may also be liable for your injuries.
• Shipper – Any company, including the shipper, that was part of the chain of distribution between the manufacturer and the retailer may also be liable for the cost of your injuries.
• Used car dealer – Even if you bought your car used, the dealer who sold it to you could be liable for your damages.

Under Georgia law, the manufacturer of a defective vehicle or part may be held strictly liable for resulting injuries in some cases. This means that you do not have to prove the manufacturer was negligent to recover damages.

If a defective vehicle or part caused your car accident or injury, call the legal team at KWF today at (404) 460-0101. We have experienced in complex vehicle defect cases, and can work to ensure you are compensated fairly for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. We represent clients in Athens, Columbus, Atlanta, Augusta and across the state of Georgia from our headquarters in Decatur.