Accidents in Raleigh Caused by Vehicle Defects

Auto Mechanic Working on Car Engine

Have you or a loved one been injured in a Raleigh car accident caused by a vehicle defect? You could be entitled to compensation. A lawyer from Hardison & Cochran can help you understand your legal options and fight for the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with an attentive Raleigh car accident lawyer and learn what steps to take next.

Defective Cars, Devastating Consequences: Seeking Justice in Raleigh Accidents

Vehicle defects put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk. Some defects happen because of errors in the manufacturing process, while others result from poor vehicle maintenance.

Automakers are responsible for designing and building safe vehicles. However, some cut corners or don’t fix known problems before selling their cars. Similarly, mechanics and repair shops must perform proper maintenance when they service vehicles. When they make mistakes or are negligent, it can lead to dangerous failures. Some defects also result from owners failing to take proper care of their vehicles.

If a defect contributes to a collision, accident victims can sustain severe injuries that require costly medical care, time away from work, and other financial burdens. Some people who get hurt in these crashes can pursue compensation by filing legal claims against manufacturers, dealerships, repair shops, or other drivers. If you believe you have such a claim, you should act quickly to protect your rights since strict deadlines apply to product liability and personal injury cases in North Carolina.

Examples of Common Vehicular Defects

Vehicle defects can create serious safety risks on the road. If a critical system in a car malfunctions, the driver can lose control and become involved in an accident within seconds. Some defects make crashes more likely, while others increase the severity of injuries in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

Here are some common vehicle defects that can lead to crashes or catastrophic injuries:

  • Brake failures – If a vehicle’s brakes fail, the driver might not be able to slow down or stop in time to avoid a crash. Some brake failures happen when key components like master cylinders or brake lines malfunction. Other times, brake pads wear down too quickly because of design flaws.
  • Tire blowouts – A defective tire can explode while a car is moving and cause the driver to lose control. Tires may contain weak materials or faulty treads that make them more likely to fail, even when the driver keeps them properly inflated.
  • Defective airbags – Airbags protect drivers and passengers in crashes, but faulty ones can cause severe harm. Some fail to deploy when needed, leaving occupants without protection in high-speed impacts. On the other hand, some airbags deploy too forcefully and cause injuries instead of preventing them.
  • Electrical system troubles – A car’s electrical system controls important functions like lights, power steering, and ignition. Electrical failures can cause cars to stall or catch fire or prevent lights from working correctly.
  • Faulty steering systems – A steering defect can make it difficult or impossible for a driver to control the direction of a vehicle. These problems may cause the steering wheel to lock or make the car respond unpredictably to the driver’s input.
  • Accelerator issues – A malfunctioning accelerator can cause a vehicle to speed up without warning or fail to respond when the driver presses the gas pedal. Some vehicles have defective throttle systems that stick. Others experience unintended acceleration due to electrical failures.
  • Windshield wiper malfunctions – Drivers rely on windshield wipers to clear away rain, snow, and debris for optimal visibility. If wipers do not work correctly, drivers might struggle to see the road ahead, stay in their lanes, or react to sudden changes in traffic.

What Injuries Can Be Sustained in Defective Car Accidents?

Vehicle defects can cause severe injuries or make accidents more dangerous. Common examples of these injuries include:

Who Is Liable for Collisions That Happen Because of Defective Vehicles?

Liability for a vehicle defect accident depends on who designed, built, sold, or maintained the vehicle and its parts. Some defects start at the manufacturing stage, while others result from improper repairs or unsafe modifications. Some examples of parties that could be liable in this type of case include:

  • Vehicle manufacturers – If a defect comes from a flaw in the design or assembly process, the manufacturer could be responsible for any resulting accidents.
  • Parts manufacturers – A third-party supplier that produces defective brakes, tires, airbags, or other critical parts could be liable if those parts contribute to a crash.
  • Dealerships and retailers – If a dealership knowingly sells a defective vehicle or fails to disclose a known issue, it might be held accountable for accidents linked to that problem.
  • Repair shops and mechanics – If a repair shop fails to fix a known problem or makes a vehicle more dangerous through careless work, it could be liable for any accidents that follow.
  • Vehicle owners and operators – If a driver ignores a recall, fails to replace worn-out parts, or modifies the vehicle unsafely, they could be at fault for a related crash.

An Experienced Defective Vehicle Lawyer Knows How to Fight for Your Rights

Defective vehicle parts can contribute to serious collisions that leave you with life-changing injuries. The legal team at Hardison & Cochran has successfully held numerous manufacturers accountable for these types of accidents and secured substantial payouts for our clients in our 40 years of legal practice. In one case, we obtained a $165,000 settlement for a Winston-Salem man who suffered severe injuries in an accident after his brakes failed.

Our clients trust us to fight for them when they need it most:

“Every time I call with a question or problem, I am able to talk with someone or I receive a prompt return call. You speak to me without any legal jargon so I understand what your answers are. It is rare to find a business that makes you feel you are a part of a team. Thank you for making me feel like a person instead of a number.” – Naomi Clayton

If you were injured in a defective vehicle accident in Raleigh, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact Hardison & Cochran today so we can review your car accident case and explain your legal options in a free consultation.