It’s easy or even natural to assume that everything in your car is in working order. It may drive fine, until it doesn’t. Defects in car parts can worsen accidents or even become the cause of them if they are not identified by the manufacturer or are ignored.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identified several examples of vehicle defects that are a safety hazard and could be potential factors in an accident:
- Airbags that do not deploy properly
- Child safety seats with harnesses or belts that do not properly hold in a crash
- Seats and seat backs that fail and move unexpectedly
- Steering parts that cause loss of control
- Defective brakes
- Seat belts that tear or become unsecured
- Accelerator controls that may jam or break
- Fuel system damage, which could lead to leaking and vehicle fires
- Cracking or breaking in wheels
- Windshield wipers that fail to clear the driver’s vision
- Engine pieces that fail or break
- Broken wiring that could lead to fire or lack of lighting
There are also possible defects in your vehicle that will not typically impact safety, like air conditioners, radios, paint and oil consumption.
If your car’s parts have a defect, it can lead to disaster. Steering that goes out could cause you to lose control of your vehicle while you are driving, or if your airbags don’t go off when you crash, you and your passengers could suffer catastrophic injuries. Those involved in an accident that involves a defect can seek compensation by filing a product liability lawsuit against the responsible party. Skelton Slusher Barnhill Watkins Wells PLLC, has attorneys experienced with products liability issues as well as personal injury litigation.
