What Are the Most Common Reasons for Auto Defect Lawsuits?

 Posted on September 15, 2023 in Car Accidents

Although most car accidents are caused by driver error, negligence, or recklessness, many people may not realize how many crashes, injuries, and fatalities happen because of a vehicle defect. Anyone who is injured in a crash caused by a vehicle defect can still pursue legal action for the losses their injuries have caused. In most cases, the liable party is usually a party that was involved in producing the vehicle. These car accident claims can be complex, so it is important to speak with an Illinois personal injury attorney to find out what your legal options are.

Defective Vehicle Crashes

According to a study conducted by Stanford University, driver error is responsible for approximately 90 percent of the two million car accidents each year. Although vehicle defects account for under 5 percent of crashes, this still adds up to about 120,000 accidents each year.

There are three types of defects that a defective product case can be based on:

• Design defects – These defects are flaws in the original blueprint of the vehicle or its parts. Examples of design defects include poorly designed braking systems, unstable frames, faulty fuel systems, and inadequate crash protection.

• Manufacturing defects – Manufacturing defects occur during the production process of the vehicle. Even if the design of the product is not defective, a defect during the manufacturing or production of the vehicle or its parts can result in critical safety issues. These defects can include faulty airbags, defective tires, malfunctioning steering systems, or subpar welding, all of which can lead to accidents and injuries.

• Marketing defects – These defects include the failure of the company to provide proper instruction or warn consumers of any dangers the product may present.

Common Defects That Result in Injuries and Lawsuits

Airbags and seatbelts are critical safety features designed to protect vehicle occupants during an accident. If these components fail to function properly, serious injuries can occur. Common issues include airbags that deploy unexpectedly, fail to deploy during a collision, or rupture upon deployment, causing additional harm. Similarly, seatbelt malfunctions or defects can lead to occupants being ejected from the vehicle during an accident, resulting in severe injuries.

Today’s vehicles rely heavily on sophisticated electronic and software systems to operate efficiently. However, malfunctions in these systems can have severe consequences. Electronic failures might lead to sudden acceleration, brake failure, or loss of steering control, resulting in accidents and injuries.

Contact a Lake County Injury Attorney for Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a defective product, contact a Lake Zurich, IL car accident attorney to find out what legal options you may have against the party or parties that are liable for your injuries. Call Premier Illinois Injury Lawyers at 847-721-2499 to schedule a free consultation.