Motor vehicles can have design defects and manufacturing defects. If a defect causes harm to a consumer, the manufacturer can be held liable for damages. You have probably heard of a manufacturer "recalling" an automobile or an automobile part because it is defective. The manufacturer will generally repair or replace the defective part or automobile without charge. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publishes recall information and also issues safety alerts and warnings about vehicles.
Tires
Several years ago, Firestone tires were recalled after it was learned that their treads were more likely to shred than comparable brands. A consumer who was injured when a tire on his new car blew out recovered damages from the manufacturer because the defect was latent. Where a manufacturer failed to inspect and test a tire, a consumer was awarded damages for personal injuries and property damage caused when the tire exploded.
Seatbelts and Air Bags
In automobile collision cases, consumers have recovered damages for injuries when the defective restraint system itself caused the injury. Courts have also awarded damages to drivers and passengers who suffered enhanced injuries because of defective seatbelts. Manufacturers have been held liable for defectively designed air bags that opened unexpectedly or failed to open in a crash, and damages have also been awarded to consumers who suffered burns when the air bags inflated.
Gas Tanks
Consumers have been awarded damages in cases where the defective location and design of a car's gas tank caused the car to burst into flames after a collision.
Rollovers
Manufacturers of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have been held liable because SUVs have a propensity to roll over during common driving maneuvers.
Manufacturer's Liability
Under the doctrine of strict liability (liability without carelessness), a vehicle manufacturer can be held liable if you can show a defect in the car and prove that the defect caused your injury. It is important to consult an experienced attorney if you have been injured because of a defective car or car part.
