Although most people are aware of the dangers of auto accidents, some individuals assume that the only cause is human error or negligence. However, for many motorists, car defects and malfunctions lead to devastating injuries.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of an auto accident that was caused by a defective part or malfunctioning car, you may be able to take legal action against the responsible party. Contact the New Braunfels car defects and malfunctions attorneys of the Burch Law Firm at 830-629-0955 to discuss your options today.
Types of Car Defects and Malfunctions
From the moment a car is designed, it has the potential of being subject to errors that may make it unreliable. Design problems, manufacturing errors, inspection negligence, and repair mistakes may cause a vehicle to become unsafe. Common forms of car defects and malfunctions include:
Seat Belt Injuries- Brake Malfunction
- Tire Defects
- Airbag Defects
- Child Car Seat Defects
- Crumple Zone Defects
Everyone should be able to rely on their vehicles to safely transport them from one location to another. Individuals who suffer injuries in these types of collisions may experience broken bones, organ damage, brain and spine injuries, or even the loss of life.
Brake Malfunction Claims
Losing the ability to stop a vehicle can be not only terrifying, but also disastrous, as it can cause a severe accident that might result in physical injury, emotional trauma, and property damage. Frequently, the failure of a vehicle’s brake system is attributable to the negligence of a mechanic or the failure of an automaker to design or build adequate brakes. This can leave motorists vulnerable to severe harm through no fault of their own.
Manufacturers may bear legal liability for injuries to consumers who are hurt in the rightful use of their product. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident caused by brake malfunction, do not hesitate to contact the New Braunfels brake malfunction attorneys.
Common Brake Failures
There are a variety of ways in which your brakes can be defective or fail, causing you to be involved in a serious accident. Some of the most common brake defects and failures, however, include:
- Fluid leaks
- Defective brake adjusters
- Worn or improperly made disc brake rotors
- Defective springs in drum brake
- Defective or failing vacuum assist
- Unevenly distributed braking power.
Child Car Seat Defects
Until children are older than eight years old or are at least 4’9” tall, Texas law mandates that they ride in a car or booster seat while they are in any automobile. This law is in place in an effort to best protect children in the event of a car accident; however, when a child’s car or booster seat is defective, a child may be grievously endangered, despite the use of an appropriate seat. When manufacturers produce defective car seats, they may be held accountable through the pursuit of legal action.
As the parent of a child who has been injured in a car accident due to a defective car seat, it is important to ensure that you are properly advised of your legal rights and options. Contact the New Braunfels defective car seat lawyer.
Common Child Car Seat Defects
Car seats have numerous components that are vital to the proper functioning of the safety device. While any of these parts can be defective, some of the most common and dangerous car seat defects include:
- The use of excessively flammable material.
- The use of inadequately made restraints.
- Locks that are too weak to withstand the impact of collision.
- Insufficient amount of padding.
- Seat belts and latches that detach from the seat.
- Latches that are too difficult to release.
Depending upon the nature of the defect and the severity of the accident, it may be appropriate to consider seeking financial compensation for your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and other pertinent damages.
Tire Defects
The tires of a vehicle, though they may be easily overlooked, are essential to its safe and proper function. As the lone points of contact with the road surface, the condition of the tires greatly affects one’s ability to control a vehicle. When tires are defective, a motorist may be suddenly thrust into an accident through no fault of their own, and the resulting collision might cause extensive damage and severe injuries.
If you have been hurt in an accident that was caused by poorly designed or made tires, you may be able to pursue financial compensation through a civil lawsuit against the manufacturer. To discuss your case with a committed and capable attorney, contact the New Braunfels tire defect lawyers.
Representative Examples of Common Tire Defects
From the outside, a tire may appear to be an object of simple design which is made of rubber. However, the tires which are currently produced are the highly refined results of extensive research, trial, and error, and must be made according to strict procedural and material requirements. Any mistakes or shortcuts in the process can lead to a defective tire. Representative examples of tire defects are:
- The use of inferior rubber
- Tread separation
- Inadequate adhesive
- The thinness of the sidewall
- Warping around the point of mounting.
Crumple Zone Defects
Most cars and trucks are equipped with safety features to ensure that people have the best chance of avoiding injuries should a car accident occur. In many cases, these safety features are even mandated by federal law.
One safety feature found on most cars and trucks is the crumple zone. A crumple zone is a feature that is built into cars to help keep the force of an accident from reaching the passengers. This zone is supposed o distribute the force of the accident. It also helps to reduce to the initial force of the collision to protect the people inside a car.
The crumple zone of a vehicle creates a barrier between the people inside the car and the collision. The crumple zone is made up of parts that will bend during impact and thereby create a physical barrier. These zones are protecting other parts of the car that, when hit, do not absorb the force as well. If these other car parts were hit directly, the accident could be more serious than had it been otherwise.
In order to work properly, a car’s safety features, including the crumple zone, have to be properly designed and manufactured. If a defect is present, a driver or passenger may have a false sense of security, and an accident could lead to serious injuries or deaths.
When a defective auto part causes injuries, the product’s manufacturer can be held legally responsible. In a product liability suit, the manufacturer can be held responsible for financial damages including medical costs, lost wages and more.
