When you purchase a vehicle, you expect to get good value for your money. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Defective auto parts are surprisingly common. In addition to causing frustration to car buyers, they can also lead to a damaging accident that injures you and others.
Common Automotive Defects That Cause Accidents
While any part of a vehicle can be defective and ultimately cause harm, common defects include:
- Faulty brakes
- Airbags that deploy on their own
- Stuck accelerators
- Defective electrical systems that cause fires
- Malfunctioning wheel components
Keep in mind that defective parts are not the same as a lack of automotive maintenance. If your vehicle fails because you failed to correctly maintain it, such as by fixing brake or engine issues, you could be held accountable for any accidents that result.
Where to Place Blame for a Defective Auto Part
While all personal injury cases are complex in their own way, those involving defective auto parts are often more so. That’s because multiple people and companies may be held responsible for what transpired.
For example, the company that manufactured the auto part may be to blame, or the designer of the part may be held accountable. The difference lies in whether the part was faulty because of how it was put to together, or whether the fault was inherent in the design from the beginning.
Some manufacturers also buy their parts from other companies, even though they might not disclose this information to their customers. In this case, that company would be held liable for the defect.
Even when a defective part plays a role in the accident, driver negligence may also be a contributing cause. If so, numerous parties may be included in the same claim.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Defective Auto Part
Determining who exactly is to blame for a damaging car accident is a complex undertaking. That’s why you need the assistance of a knowledgeable and compassionate firm like and Martinez, Hart, Sanchez & Romero, P.C. when you believe an injury was caused by a defective auto part.
We’ll review all the facts of the case, from manufacturer oversights to driver negligence. From there, we’ll develop a legal strategy to defend your rights and make certain you receive the proper compensation for what occurred. Please call 505-343-1776 to schedule a free consultation at our Albuquerque firm.