What are the Common Defective Auto Parts that Cause Accidents?

January 26, 2021 | Accidents,Car Accidents,Personal Injury

Most people think of car accidents as being caused by the careless or negligent actions of a driver. However, there are also times when a defective car part has caused an accident as well. Crashes caused by defective car parts can lead to significant injuries and property damage. Here, we want to discuss what the most common defective auto parts are and who can be held liable for these incidents.

While most people may think of their vehicle as being a singular machine, the reality is that there are many parts they go into making an operational vehicle. On average, a passenger vehicle has approximately 30,000 parts, all of which must sync together to ensure safe operation on the roadway. Unfortunately, a singular defective part can affect the operation of the entire vehicle. In fact, it is not uncommon for a defective part to cause a serious crash.

Most Common Defective Vehicle Parts

Some of the most common types of defective auto parts that can lead to a vehicle accident on Washington roadways include the following:

  • The braking system
  • Ignition switches
  • Steering systems
  • Accelerator controls
  • Wiring systems
  • Wheels and tires
  • Gas tanks and fuel systems
  • Frames of the vehicles
  • Engines
  • Transmissions
  • Clutches
  • Lights
  • Trailer hitches and load straps
  • Aftermarket part additions

In addition to these parts that could become defective and cause a crash, there are also certain vehicle parts that can fail as a crash is occurring and cause additional injuries. In particular, this includes the airbag systems in the vehicle as well as the seats and the seatbelts themselves.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Vehicle Part?

There are various theories of liability in the aftermath of an incident arising from a defective car part. Under these theories, we will see many commonalities. In general, the injury victim (the plaintiff) will need to show that they sustained injuries or losses due to a crash caused by a manufacturing defect, a design defect, or a failure to warn.

Some of the parties that may be held liable in these cases include the following:

  • Manufacturers of the defective part. Companies that manufacturer auto parts are responsible for the parts’ safety. If a part fails due to a manufacturing error, these companies could be held liable.
  • Designers of the defective part. There are often times when a vehicle part has a defective design that can cause problems that were not detected when the part was being tested. In these cases, the original designer may be held liable for the damages.
  • Marketers of the defective part. If companies that market defective auto parts or vehicles do not include proper warnings or instructions for the product, they could be held liable for any damages.
  • Dealerships or mechanics. It may be possible to hold a dealership or mechanic responsible if the part was not properly installed in the vehicle and the improper installation causes a crash.

Work with an Experienced Attorney

It is crucial for any person injured due to a defective vehicle part to work with a skilled motor vehicle accident attorney for help with their case. These claims can become incredibly complicated, but an attorney will be able to investigate the incident and help secure full compensation. This can include coverage of:

  • All medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Possible punitive damages against a grossly negligent party

Do not hesitate to seek legal assistance when your health and financial well-being is on the line.