If you’re like most people, when you think about suing someone for an auto accident, you think about suing the other driver – and maybe the driver’s employer if they were driving a commercial vehicle. But, in some cases, the problem isn’t either of the drivers, but rather one (or both) of the vehicles themselves. When you suffer injuries in an accident caused by a vehicle defect, you may have claims against multiple, deep-pocketed parties for financial compensation.

Now, vehicle defect cases aren’t easy. Much of the evidence is in the hands of the motor companies, and getting them to admit to selling defective cars and trucks isn’t always the easiest thing to do. But, if you have an auto accident claim based on a vehicle defect, a team of attorneys who have specific experience handling these challenging cases will be able to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

The “Strict Liability” Rule for Automotive Defects

One way in which vehicle defect claims are easier than other crash cases is that automotive defects are subject to the rule of “strict liability.” Under strict liability, any company that designs, manufactures or sells a defective product can be held liable even if they were not negligent in allowing the defective product to hit the market. If you have been injured by a defective product, any company involved in the chain of distribution can potentially be held liable for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Some of the most common vehicle defects that can cause accidents and lead to accident-related injuries include:

·        Defective airbags

·        Defective brakes

·        Defective fuel systems and tanks

·        Defective gas pedals

·        Defective engines and transmissions

·        Defective lights

·        Defective tires

When an auto manufacturer discovers a defect, whether through its own testing, government testing, or a consumer complaint, it is required to notify the government and issue a recall. Unfortunately, recall notices often either (i) come too late, or (ii) don’t make their way to the affected vehicles’ current owners.

Examples of Major Automotive Recalls

We have seen a wave of major, high-profile vehicle recalls. In fact, the largest automotive recall in U.S. history is still potentially affecting millions of vehicles on the road.

The Takata Airbag Recall

Beginning in 2010, auto manufacturers across the globe started recalling vehicles for defective airbags manufactured by the Japanese company Takata. Over the past five years, the defective airbags have been linked to several accidents and at least eight deaths, and more than 34 million vehicles have been recalled. Takata has publicly acknowledged the defect, and manufacturers are continuing to struggle to meet the demand for replacement airbags.

General Motors Ignition Switch Recall

Between the years of 2003 to 2011, General Motors sold millions of vehicles with faulty ignition switches. GM eventually acknowledged the defect after a decade-long cover up, and has since faced thousands of lawsuits for injuries and deaths linked to the dangerous defect.

These are just a few examples. To find out if your vehicle has been recalled for a product defect, you can visit safercar.gov.