San Antonio Auto Defect Attorney

While many car accidents are caused by common reasons such as speeding or distracted driving, others are caused by poorly manufactured parts or improperly designed vehicles. If you are in an accident involving an auto defect, the case will likely be much more complex than a standard car accident case. This is because it can be difficult to prove that an auto defect caused the crash. Additionally, multiple parties could be liable in these types of cases. Law enforcement is usually trained to investigate car accident cases with the belief that one of the drivers involved is at fault for the accident.

Many car accident lawyers only deal with the more standard cases involving liability on the part of other drivers rather than on defective product claims, but if you’re dealing with the aftermath caused by an auto defect crash, you need a lawyer who is experienced at handling these complex cases. Fortunately, you can get help from an experienced San Antonio auto defect attorney from The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC. We can investigate your case, determine who is responsible for it, and pursue fair compensation for your losses.

What Is an Auto Defect?

An auto defect is any issue with a vehicle or one of its components that is due to the way the vehicle was designed or manufactured and compromises the safety of its occupants or others. There are strict rules regarding defects. Once automakers or auto part manufacturers determine that a defect exists, they usually issue a recall to vehicle owners and offer to fix the problem. You can find out if your vehicle has a recall based on your vehicle’s make and model on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website.

Types of Auto Defects

Product defects are typically divided into the following three categories:

• Design defect: Design defects occur when there is something inherently wrong with the design. The defective part or vehicle is manufactured according to the plan, but it is unsafe. Examples of design defects include SUVs that are more prone to rolling over, roofs that are more likely to collapse upon impact, or a gas tank located in a way that can lead to explosions in the event of a rear-end crash.
• Manufacturing defect: A manufacturing defect occurs when a problem arises during the manufacturing process that compromises the operation or safety of the vehicle. For example, tires that are not stored properly could be more likely to blow out, or if the wrong screw is used on a part, it could dislodge and cause a crash.
• Warning defect: Warning defects occur when a manufacturer fails to provide adequate warnings for consumers to protect themselves, such as not warning that a child should not sit in the front seat because airbag deployment could cause serious injuries or death or that drivers should maintain concentration and control over a vehicle when using self-driving features.

Auto Defects That Can Cause Crashes and Injuries

Some auto defects, such as blown tires or defective crash avoidance systems, may cause or fail to prevent accidents. Others, such as defective seat belts or airbags, may fail to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Common auto defects that can cause crashes or injuries include the following:

• Tires that blow out, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into another vehicle or a fixed object
• Faulty accident-avoidance technology that actually causes motor vehicle crashes
• Brakes that malfunction, such as failing to stop after the motorist applies pressure to them
• Fuel system fires that cause explosions and severe injuries
• Roof pillar defects that cause a roof to crush in the case of a rollover accident
• Door latch defects that cause a door to open during a crash, possibly leading to vehicle occupant ejection
• Seatbelt failures, causing the vehicle occupant to be thrown about the vehicle during the crash
• Defective airbags, which can cause airbags to deploy prematurely or not at all

Who Is Legally Responsible for Car Defects?

Under product liability laws, anyone in the stream of commerce can potentially be held liable for product defects. An experienced San Antonio product liability attorney can determine if you have a viable legal claim against any of the following:

• Manufacturers: Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the products they manufacture are safe to use. When they produce defective products, they can be held liable for accidents involving them.
• Designers: Vehicle or part designers can be held responsible for design defects.
• Dealerships: Car dealerships can be responsible if they sell a vehicle with a defect.
• Shippers: Shippers may have failed to keep products safe during transport and may be able to be held liable in product liability cases.
• Auto parts stores: Stores that sell defective auto parts can be held responsible for resulting accidents.

How to Prove Liability for an Auto Defect Crash

Proving liability in an auto defect crash can be incredibly challenging. Doing so often requires hiring expert witnesses in various fields, such as engineering, manufacturing, biomechanics, and accident reconstruction. These individuals possess in-depth knowledge in their respective areas of specialty. They may be able to use scientific data, their experience, or other tools to help determine how the accident occurred and who is responsible.

Our San Antonio car accident lawyers can also conduct an extensive investigation to gather evidence to help support your version of events, including:

• Information from event data recorders, such as speed, braking patterns, and seatbelt usage
• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Photos of the accident scene
• Physical evidence, such as debris in the roadway or skid marks
• Videos of the accident from traffic cameras, dashcams, CCTV footage, or personal recordings from witnesses or bystanders
• Accident reconstruction reports
• Business records
• Recall notices

Call Our San Antonio Auto Defect Lawyers Today for a Free Case Review

If you believe the car crash that injured you was due to a defective product, you need an experienced San Antonio auto defect lawyer who can evaluate your situation and determine your legal options. The San Antonio injury lawyers at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC can investigate your case and seek to hold negligent automakers responsible for the harm they’ve caused. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.