Car Defect Lawyer

Common Types of Auto Defects

An auto defect refers to a flaw or malfunction in a vehicle that can potentially make it unsafe or cause it to not operate as intended. These defects may arise from errors in the design, manufacturing process, or improper maintenance instructions, and can lead to accidents, injuries, or even death. Auto defects may affect various components of the vehicle, including safety features, mechanical parts, or electronic systems.

• Brake Defects: Faulty brakes can lead to accidents by preventing the vehicle from stopping in time.
• Airbag Malfunctions: Airbags that fail to deploy during a crash, or that deploy unexpectedly, can cause serious injuries.
• Seat Belt Failures: Defective seat belts may not properly restrain passengers during an accident, increasing the risk of injury.
  • Tension-relieving device — the device that allows the shoulder belt to slacken so the wearer can move comfortably is supposed to stay taut in the event of an accident. If it doesn’t, spine fractures, head injuries, and internal injuries can occur.
  • Defective buckles — A malfunctioning seatbelt latch is like having no seatbelt; the wearer is not restrained during a crash.  Severe injury or death often result.
  • Passive restraint systems — Because these systems automatically deploy the shoulder belt, the wearer may forget to secure the lap belt. In an accident, the lack of a lap belt can result in strangulation, injury to the liver, spinal cord injury, and even decapitation.
• Tire Defects: Issues such as tire blowouts or tread separation can cause a loss of control, leading to crashes.
• Steering System Failures: Defective steering components can make it difficult to control the vehicle, increasing the chance of an accident.
• Electrical System Defects: Faulty wiring or components can cause issues like fires, power loss, or malfunctioning safety features.
• Fuel System Defects: Leaks or flaws in the fuel system can lead to dangerous fires or explosions.
• Accelerator Pedal Defects: Sticking or malfunctioning accelerators can cause unintended acceleration, leading to collisions.
• Transmission Failures: A defective transmission may prevent the vehicle from properly shifting gears, affecting drivability.
• Roof Crush or Structural Defects: In the event of a rollover, a defective roof structure may collapse, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Auto defects are often subject to recalls, where manufacturers repair or replace faulty parts to ensure vehicle safety.

Strict Liability in Texas

In Texas, auto defect claims can be pursued under the doctrine of strict liability. Under strict liability, a plaintiff does not need to prove that the manufacturer or seller was negligent; instead, they only need to prove that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injury. This legal standard makes it easier for injured parties to hold manufacturers accountable for dangerous products.

To succeed on a strict liability claim in Texas, the plaintiff must show the following:

• The Product Was Defective: The vehicle or its component had a defect (design, manufacturing, or marketing) that made it unreasonably dangerous.
• The Defect Existed When the Product Left the Manufacturer: The defect must have been present when the vehicle or part was sold or distributed by the manufacturer or seller.
• The Defect Caused the Injury: The plaintiff must prove that the defect was a direct cause of the accident or injury, even if the manufacturer did not act negligently.

In strict liability cases, it is not necessary to show that the manufacturer was careless in designing or producing the vehicle. The mere fact that the vehicle or its components were defective and caused harm is sufficient to establish liability. This is especially beneficial for plaintiffs because they do not need to delve into the manufacturer’s decision-making or safety processes, making it easier to prove the claim.

State law applies strict liability in auto defect cases to ensure that manufacturers bear the responsibility for the safety of their products. Even if the manufacturer took all reasonable precautions, they can still be held liable if their product is found to be defective and causes injury. This legal principle helps protect consumers and promotes higher safety standards in the automotive industry.

Contact Our Car Defect Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident caused by a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. Hilliard Law’s experienced car defect injury attorneys can help you prove liability and seek the damages you deserve. Our team has a proven track record of success in cases involving defective auto parts since 1985 and can guide you through the legal process.

Call us at (361) 882-1612 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. If we take your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win.