What Is an Auto Defect?
An auto defect is a flaw in a vehicle or vehicle component that makes it unsafe for normal use. These defects can occur at any stage of production and may cause serious accidents, injuries, or fatalities even when a driver is operating the vehicle responsibly. Under California product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held accountable when a defective vehicle or auto part causes harm.
Auto defects generally fall into three legal categories:
Design defects – The vehicle or part is inherently dangerous due to a flawed design, even when manufactured correctly.
Manufacturing defects – Errors during production cause a vehicle or component to differ from its intended design, making it unsafe.
Failure to warn defects – The manufacturer fails to provide adequate warnings or instructions about known dangers associated with the vehicle or part.
When an auto defect contributes to an accident, injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation through a product liability claim against the responsible parties.
Common Types of Auto Defects That Cause Injuries
Defective vehicles and auto parts can fail without warning, often resulting in severe or catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common auto defects involved in product liability claims include:
Airbag defects – Airbags that fail to deploy, deploy unexpectedly, or deploy with excessive force can cause traumatic head, neck, and chest injuries.
Brake system failures – Defective brakes, brake pads, or hydraulic systems may prevent a vehicle from stopping properly, increasing the risk of high-impact collisions.
Steering defects – Problems with steering columns, power steering systems, or electronic steering components can cause sudden loss of vehicle control.
Seatbelt and restraint defects – Seatbelts that unlatch, fail to lock, or are improperly anchored may not protect occupants during a crash.
Tire defects – Defective tires can experience tread separation or blowouts, leading to rollovers or loss of control at highway speeds.
Fuel system defects – Faulty fuel tanks, fuel lines, or electrical components can increase the risk of fires or explosions after a collision.
Electrical and software defects – Malfunctions in electronic or computer-controlled systems may interfere with braking, acceleration, or safety features.
These defects may occur in passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, or rideshare vehicles. When a defective component contributes to an accident or worsens injuries, manufacturers and other responsible parties may be held liable.
How Auto Defect Claims Are Proven
Auto defect cases in California are typically handled under product liability law, which allows injured victims to seek compensation without having to prove negligence in the traditional sense. Instead, the focus is on whether a vehicle or auto part was defective and whether that defect caused the injuries.
To successfully prove an auto defect claim, the following elements are generally required:
The vehicle or component was defective due to a design flaw, manufacturing error, or failure to warn.
The defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control, not as a result of improper maintenance or misuse.
The defect directly caused or contributed to the accident or injuries.
The injured person was using the vehicle as intended or in a reasonably foreseeable manner.
Establishing these elements often requires preserving the vehicle, analyzing damaged components, reviewing recall history, and working with engineering and accident reconstruction experts. Because manufacturers aggressively defend these cases, early investigation and evidence preservation are critical.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Auto Defect?
Auto defect claims often involve multiple responsible parties. Under California product liability law, any entity involved in placing a defective vehicle or auto part into the marketplace may be held liable for resulting injuries.
Potentially liable parties may include:
Vehicle manufacturers – When a defect arises from a vehicle’s overall design or assembly.
Auto parts manufacturers – Companies that produce defective components such as airbags, brakes, tires, or steering systems.
Distributors and suppliers – Entities involved in transporting or supplying defective vehicles or parts.
Dealerships and retailers – Sellers that place defective vehicles or components into the hands of consumers.
Maintenance or repair providers – In limited cases, when improper installation or repairs contribute to a defect-related failure.
Because liability may extend across several companies, identifying all responsible parties is essential to maximizing compensation. Auto defect cases frequently involve large manufacturers with significant resources, making experienced legal representation especially important.
How Our Auto Defect Attorneys Can Help
Auto defect cases are complex and often involve powerful manufacturers and insurance defense teams. At ER Trial Lawyers our California auto defect attorneys take a strategic, trial-ready approach to every case, focusing on uncovering the defect, identifying all liable parties, and pursuing full compensation for our clients.
When you work with our firm, we can help by:
Conducting a thorough investigation into the vehicle or defective component, including preserving evidence and reviewing recall history.
Working with engineering, automotive, and accident reconstruction experts to identify how the defect caused or worsened injuries.
Identifying all responsible parties, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and dealerships.
Handling all communications and negotiations with manufacturers and their insurers.
Preparing cases for trial when fair settlements are not offered.
We understand the serious physical, financial, and emotional toll that defective vehicle accidents can cause. Our goal is to hold manufacturers accountable and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by unsafe vehicles and auto parts.
What Compensation Is Available in an Auto Defect Case?
Victims injured by defective vehicles or auto parts may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. The specific damages available depend on the severity of the injuries and how the defect affected the victim’s life.
Compensation in a California auto defect claim may include:
Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to work
Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Property damage, including vehicle repair or replacement
Wrongful death damages, such as funeral expenses and loss of financial support, when a defect results in fatal injuries
Because auto defect cases often involve catastrophic injuries, these claims can be substantial. Identifying all liable parties and accurately documenting long-term damages is critical to pursuing full and fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Defect Claims
How do I know if a vehicle defect caused my accident?
Determining whether a defect caused an accident often requires expert analysis of the vehicle, damaged components, recall history, and crash data. An experienced auto defect attorney can help investigate and preserve critical evidence.
Is an auto defect case different from a regular car accident claim?
Yes. Auto defect cases are typically handled under product liability law and focus on manufacturer responsibility, rather than driver negligence. These cases often involve complex investigations and multiple liable parties.
Do I need to keep my vehicle after an accident?
Yes, if possible. Preserving the vehicle in its post-accident condition is often critical in auto defect cases, as it allows experts to inspect the defective component and determine how it contributed to the injuries.
How long do I have to file an auto defect lawsuit in California?
Auto defect claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations. In most cases, injury claims must be filed within a limited time after the accident, while wrongful death claims may have different deadlines. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is strongly recommended.
Does it cost anything to hire an auto defect attorney?
No. We handle auto defect cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or legal fees. You do not pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Speak With a California Auto Defect Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was injured by a defective vehicle or auto part, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the manufacturer or other responsible parties. Auto defect cases are complex, time-sensitive, and often aggressively defended — early legal guidance is critical.
At ER Trial Lawyers, our auto defect attorneys are prepared to investigate your case, preserve key evidence, and fight to hold manufacturers accountable for unsafe vehicles and components.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
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If there is no recovery, then there are never any fees or costs to you.
