Although automobile safety has improved considerably over the last several decades, vehicle defects still cause car accidents. Vehicle factors were the critical reason for 44,000 of the 2.2 million accidents reviewed in the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
One recent example of an auto defect involves problems with ignition switches on some models of GM cars. According to a CBS News article, GM is paying out compensation to the families of at least 64 people who died in accidents caused by GM’s defective ignition switch. As reported, the switch could slip out of the “on” position, cutting the engine and disabling the air bags and power steering.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by an automotive defect, your best course of action is to consult with a knowledgeable Dallas car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to file a claim for compensation for your injuries.
At Kraft & Associates, P.C., we have years of experience handling accident claims. Our attorneys can negotiate skillfully out of court on your behalf, or fight aggressively for your rights and interests at trial if necessary. We are committed to helping you obtain fair compensation for your losses.
Please call Kraft & Associates, P.C., at (214) 999-9999, or you can send us an e-mail at kraftlaw@kraftlaw.com, or complete our online form for a free assessment of your case.
Automobile and automotive parts manufacturers are required to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations issued by NHTSA. Millions of vehicles and auto parts have been recalled by NHTSA for failure to meet those standards.
Some examples of safety-related defects listed by NHTSA include:
Defective vehicles and auto parts can cause accidents and injuries in two different ways:
Automobile and auto parts manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their products are reasonably safe, or to adequately warn consumers if there are dangers, whether current or discovered later. When they fail in this duty, an injured party may be entitled to file a product liability lawsuit to recover damages for injuries caused by the defective product.
Depending on the circumstances, an auto defect injury claim may be filed against the automobile manufacturer, the manufacturer of the defective part, the company that distributed the vehicle, the car dealer or others.
Injured victims of car accidents caused by automotive defects may be entitled to file a claim to pursue compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some exceptional cases, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish a responsible party.
Auto defect claims can be complex. If you have been hurt in an accident that involved a defective vehicle, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. At Kraft & Associates, P.C., our attorneys have decades of experience handling all types of auto accident claims, and we are committed to pursuing fair compensation for you.
We are an established firm, and our lawyers are friendly and easy to talk to. We can review your case free of charge and advise you about your legal options and the compensation you may be entitled to claim. Contact our firm to begin taking action to hold responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
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