Auto Product Liability for Defective Auto Parts
Whether due to negligence in the designing or manufacturing process or due to the carmaker’s willful carelessness, defective auto products continue to make it onto the market and into vehicles on the road every year. Thousands of serious auto accidents and deaths occur as a result, many from defective airbags, which could have been otherwise prevented. Under federal and state law, product manufacturers, distributors, and designers are legally required to ensure that their products do not pose an unreasonable risk of injury or illness to consumers.
If you believe that you or a loved one has been involved in a traffic auto accident in Sacramento as a result of a defective auto product, please contact Demas Law Group, P.C. With our 20 years of experience and success in personal injury law, we have the knowledge and the resources to get the best possible outcome for your case. You may be entitled to significant compensation from the responsible party. Call us now at (916) 764-3059.
Do I Have a Sacramento Defective Auto Product Lawsuit?
In order to have a successful personal injury claim for a defective auto product accident, it is essential to prove that the injuries or deaths were caused by the defectively designed or manufactured auto product. Providing adequate evidence for a defective auto product can be particularly difficult, especially in the aftermath of a crash; however, an experienced attorney will be able to investigate the cause of the accident, working with accident reconstruction specialists and forensic engineers.
In the event that the auto product was being used as intended and the defects directly led to accident or injury, a personal injury lawyer from the Demas Law Group, P.C., can build a strong case against the responsible party.
What are the Most Common Causes of Defective Auto Products?
At any point from the design of a product, to its creation, marketing, and distribution, a single unnoticed error or wrongful decision can result in a defective product that may contribute to or directly cause injury or worse. In many cases, product liability accidents can be traced back to negligence or oversight, whether due to cutting corners or rushing to get the product on the market, resulting in hundreds or thousands of dangerous products making it to consumers before the defect is discovered.
Auto product liability claims often fall into one or both of the following categories:
- Defective Design – The product design is unreasonably dangerous like a car door latch that doesn’t open properly.
- Manufacturing Defects – Errors that are made during the manufacturing of a product that makes it dangerous to use.
The liable party for a defective auto product can include the designer, manufacturer, dealership, or shipper. Consult with a knowledgeable lawyer to determine whether you have a case and who may be held accountable.
Auto Defect Lawyers Fighting to Protect Your Consumer Rights in Sacramento
At the Demas Law Group, P.C., our dedicated personal injury attorneys can help you determine the best course of action for your auto product liability case. We will fight on your behalf, applying our years of experience to help you obtain the financial compensation you need and deserve to cover the many expenses that follow a defective auto accident, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and funeral costs. Please do not wait to call our toll-free number (888) 776-0977 or contact us online to set up a free and comprehensive consultation.
Auto Defects FAQs
Isn’t it hard to take on a car manufacturer in a legal case involving defective auto parts?
Car manufacturers have the financial wherewithal to fight auto defect claims vigorously, but as explained above, the doctrine of “strict liability” levels the legal playing field for ordinary citizens seeking just compensation for their injuries. Formerly, a plaintiff had to show willful negligence on behalf of the defendant, which can be extremely difficult and prohibitively expensive to prove in court. Today, the legal focus is on the product: why did the part fail, and who is responsible for the injuries that failure caused? Having said this, pursuing such claims requires resources and expertise. You need financial resources to investigate and press forward with a claim, as well as the expertise to properly research all of the facts and develop a solid strategy prior to commencing a lawsuit against the manufacturer. A case that is well researched and thoroughly investigated has much better chances of success against a large product manufacturer and their insurer. Hiring an experienced auto defect attorney is crucial in product liability cases against car manufacturers.
How much time do I have to file a claim for a product liability case in California?
In California, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a product liability lawsuit. The statute of limitations in California is firm. It begins the date of your injury. A statute of limitations is a window of time someone is allowed to bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer of a product that injured them. For example, if you badly cut your finger on a defective electric carving knife, you must bring your lawsuit within two years of the day you were injured.
If you file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations is over, a judge will most likely reject your case. No matter how strong a case you have, it won’t go to court. Don’t let this happen to you.
Should I file a complaint with the government about an auto defect before I talk to an attorney?
If you have been injured in an accident due to an auto defect, you should not file a complaint with the government before speaking to an attorney. Any statements you make will be recorded and any inaccuracies can be used against you if a lawsuit is filed later on. If you become aware of an auto or tire defect before it leads to an accident, there are avenues to report it listed in the resources below.
Where can I get more information about filing a claim and receiving compensation for my suspected auto defect accident case?
Please visit our General FAQs for answers to this and other questions.
This literature may be considered attorney advertising or an offer of professional services, according to rule 1-400 Rules of Professional Conduct by the State Bar of California. The information does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your potential legal matter.
