Automotive Litigation Attorneys in Minneapolis–ST. Paul

Demonstrated Experience with Auto Litigation in Saint Paul

Hilliard Law has a deep connection to Minnesota's legal community, exemplified by the groundbreaking Koua Fong Lee case. Bob Hilliard, a lead attorney at the firm, represented Koua Fong Lee, a Hmong immigrant from Saint Paul, who was wrongfully convicted of vehicular homicide following a tragic accident.

Through tireless advocacy and a commitment to justice, Attorney Hilliard was instrumental in overturning Lee’s conviction, asserting his innocence in a case that captured national attention. Beyond the criminal case, Hilliard Law pursued a civil suit against Toyota, citing unintended acceleration issues in Lee's vehicle. The effort resulted in a significant victory, holding Toyota accountable for its role in the incident.

Bob Hilliard’s exceptional work on the Koua Fong Lee case earned recognition from the Innocence Project of Minnesota, a testament to the firm’s dedication to justice and integrity. This experience underscores Hilliard Law’s capability to handle complex auto litigation cases in Saint Paul and beyond, ensuring all clients receive the vigorous representation they deserve.

Comprehensive Automotive Litigation Services

Our team handles a wide range of automotive-related cases, including:

• Car Accidents – We've seen it all from minor fender benders to severe collisions caused by defective vehicle components.
• Truck Accidents – Large truck crashes involving mechanical failures or reckless driving often result in devastating injuries. We’re here to help.
• Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, especially when accidents involve malfunctioning systems like brakes or airbags.
• ATV Accidents – All-terrain vehicles can be fun, but when accidents occur due to defects or improper safety measures, they can cause lasting damage.
• Pedestrian Accidents – If a driver’s negligence or vehicle malfunction causes harm, we fight for the compensation pedestrians deserve.

Handling Specific Cases of Defective Vehicles

Defective vehicle parts are a serious concern in automotive litigation. 

Common issues we litigate include:

• Faulty Brakes – Malfunctioning brake systems lead to delayed stopping, often causing rear-end collisions or pile-ups.
• Defective Airbags – Airbags that fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly can worsen injuries during a crash.
• Malfunctioning Steering Systems – Steering issues can make a vehicle uncontrollable and pose significant danger to everyone on the road.

Minnesota Statute of Limitations and Consumer Protection

If you’ve been injured in an accident, Minnesota law allows you to file a personal injury claim two years from the accident date. Property damage claims may be filed within six years. Missing these deadlines could limit your ability to recover damages.

Additionally, vehicles sold or serviced in Minnesota must meet strict safety standards to protect consumers. When companies or manufacturers fail to comply with these regulations, they can be held responsible for resulting damages under state and federal laws.

Federal and State Safety Standards and Regulations

Vehicles sold or serviced in Minnesota must comply with laws and regulations to ensure safety and functionality. 

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act

This act requires that all vehicles and related equipment meet strict safety standards at the federal level. Manufacturers are bound to design and produce vehicles that protect consumers from unreasonable risks of accidents and injuries.

Minnesota Consumer Protection Laws

Minnesota Lemon Law 

This law assists consumers who purchase defective vehicles that fail to meet quality and safety standards. If a vehicle cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer may be obligated to replace it or refund the purchase price.

Minnesota Motor Vehicle Warranty Law 

This law ensures that car dealerships honor warranties on repairs and parts necessary to maintain a vehicle’s safety.

Focus on Key Vehicle Safety Standards

To operate legally in Minnesota, vehicles must meet compliance checks for the following safety measures:

• Crash Prevention Features – Manufacturers must implement anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) to help drivers avoid accidents. If these features are found to be faulty or absent, non-compliance may result in liability.
• Airbag Deployment Standards – Airbags must deploy appropriately during collisions to minimize injuries. Defective airbags that fail or deploy incorrectly are common targets in automotive litigation.
• Seat Belt Safety – Seat belt assemblies must meet strict federal performance and reliability guidelines to ensure passenger protection in a crash.
• Vehicle Recalls – When vehicles are found to have defects that compromise safety, federal law requires manufacturers to issue a recall and notify customers. Failure to do so can result in legal accountability for injuries caused by the defect.

Legal Accountability for Non-Compliance

When companies or manufacturers fail to meet these safety standards, they can face serious consequences under federal and state laws. Hilliard Law holds manufacturers, dealerships, and service providers accountable for their negligence in maintaining or selling unsafe vehicles. This includes litigating cases involving defective brakes, malfunctioning airbags, and steering system failures.

By addressing defects or violations of safety standards, we help our clients recover damages for their injuries and reinforce the importance of vehicle safety compliance.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident caused by a defect or a vehicle failing to meet safety standards, know that Hilliard Law is ready to stand by your side. When justice requires taking your case to trial, our dedicated team is here to fight for your rights, guide you through every step of the process, and advocate for the outcome you deserve. 

Contact our team of automotive litigation attorneys in Minneapolis–St. Paul and throughout Minnesota today.