Automotive/Vehicle Product Defects
Chappell, Smith & Arden’s Litigation Team represents innocent victims of improperly designed or manufactured automotive products. Vehicle and component manufacturers must ensure that the products they manufacture and design, and ultimately sell to the public, are safe and comply with safety regulations and standards. When companies choose to put dangerous or defective products on the public roads, it endangers the public at large. When those products fail while in use and injure or kill a consumer or other member of the public, the manufacturers should be held to account for the damage they cause.
Automotive defects can involve a wide range of products and defects. If you or a loved on has been injured in a vehicle accident, Chappell, Smith & Arden’s Litigation Team can help determine if the accident was really the result of a defective or dangers product.
Automotive defect cases are highly contested by the automotive industry, are costly and time consuming to bring, and require the right team of Plaintiff’s attorneys to investigate, document, and prove.
Such cases may include one or more of the following products:
Tire Defects
Every year, tire manufacturers place millions of tires on the roads. If one of these tires fails while in use it may cause a driver to lose control of her vehicle and lead to a rollover or other significant crash. Tire defects may include one of more of the following:
- Design defects, including lack of necessary safety countermeasures that prevent heat build up, promote adhesion of components, and reduces air permeation
- Manufacturing defects, including improper curing, improperly placed or measured components, or damaged tires
- Tire aging
- Misplaced tires
- Improper servicing
Airbag Defects
Airbags have become a standard safety feature in vehicles. Airbags typically are controlled by an Airbag Control Module, which continuously monitors variables and determines whether a vehicle is in an accident scenario requiring the deployment of the airbags. The Airbag Control Module then sends an electrical signal telling the airbags when to deploy. Unfortunately, many airbags and airbag systems do not operate as the public would expect, and can result in significant injuries or death.
Airbag defects may include:
- Aggressive deployment
- Failure to deploy
- Deploying too early or when no accident has occurred.
Occupant Restraints/Seat Belt Defects
Seat belts are a basic safety component in modern automobiles; however, seatbelts are often poorly designed or fail to work as intended in an accident situation. Seat belt failures can lead to significant injuries, may lead to occupant ejection, or cause death.
Seat belt defects may include:
- Failure to lock
- Spoolout
- Inertial unlatching
- Torn webbing
- Pretensioner defects
Rollover/Roof Crush
Many vehicles on the road today, including may SUV’s and large passenger vans, have a high center of gravity and narrow wheel base, which may make them prone to roll over during foreseeable driving maneuvers.
Often during a rollover, the vehicle’s roof may cave in and intrude on the occupant compartment, causing significant injury or death.
Other times, doors or hatchbacks may fail and open during a rollover, allowing an occupant to be ejected from the vehicle.
Post Collision Fires
Contrary to what is depicted in many Hollywood movies, vehicles typically should not explode or catch fire immediately following a collision. If a fire or explosion does occur, it may be a sign of a design or manufacturing defect, and drivers or passengers who otherwise may have walked away from a collision could be seriously burned or killed.
Seat Failure
Seat failures during foreseeable collisions can have devastating and catastrophic impacts on occupants. If a seat back collapses during a collision, it may send an occupant rearward, crashing that persons head and neck into the seat behind them and causing significant spinal injury or death. Following a collision, if a seat is in a changed or awkward position, it may be a sign that the seat failure is the cause an occupant’s injuries.
Heavy Truck Defects
Commercial motor vehicles are typically designed to be as light as possible, allowing trucking companies to transport more cargo using less fuel. Unfortunately, such design decisions can have adverse safety consequences. Heavy trucks are just as susceptible to injuries caused by defective products as passenger vehicles. Possible defects include;
- Post collision fires
- Roof crush
- Rollovers
- Lack of emergency escapes following an otherwise survivable collision
If you or a loved one may have been injured by a defective automotive product, you may be entitled to compensation.
Damages you may be entitled to include:
- loss of earnings,
- pain and suffering,
- past medical expenses,
- expected future medical expenses related to the accident, and
- compensation for permanent injuries and scarring.
Call us for a free consultation to see if we can help.
Our attorneys understand that this can be a very difficult time for the victims of defective automotive products and their families. Our attorneys stand ready to discuss your case with you and assist with any questions or concerns related to your claim.
CALL US TODAY AT (803) 929-3600, OR TOLL FREE AT 1-800-531-9780.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
