Product Liability Lawsuits Over Defective Auto Parts
When you purchase a vehicle, you expect it to be safe and reliable. Manufacturers have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that cars, trucks, and SUVs are free from defects that could put drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk. Unfortunately, defective auto parts and design flaws cause thousands of accidents every year, leading to serious injuries and fatalities.
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a vehicle defect, you may have grounds for an auto defect product liability lawsuit. At Bretz Injury Law, we help victims hold negligent automakers accountable and fight for the compensation they deserve. Below, we’ll explain how these lawsuits work, the common types of auto defects, and what you can do if you’ve been affected.
What Is an Auto Defect Product Liability Lawsuit?
An auto defect product liability lawsuit is a legal claim against a vehicle manufacturer, parts supplier, or another responsible party when a defective vehicle or component causes harm. These lawsuits typically fall into three categories:
Defective Design
Some vehicles have inherent design flaws that make them unsafe, even when used properly. These defects often affect entire models or product lines, making them particularly dangerous because they put thousands of drivers at risk. Examples of design defects include SUVs prone to rollovers, vehicles with structurally weak roofs, or ignition switches that shut off unexpectedly.
Manufacturing Defects
Even if a vehicle’s design is safe, problems in the manufacturing process can make it dangerous. A manufacturing defect occurs when something goes wrong during production, such as faulty materials, improper assembly, or contamination of critical components. Examples include brake systems that fail due to poor-quality parts, airbags that don’t deploy correctly, or steering components that break under normal driving conditions.
Failure to Warn
Automakers and parts manufacturers are required to provide clear warnings about potential dangers associated with their vehicles. If a company fails to disclose risks, does not issue a recall in a timely manner, or provides inadequate instructions for use, they can be held liable. Examples include seatbelts that do not properly restrain passengers in a crash or defective tires that cause blowouts without warning consumers of the risk.
Unlike regular car accidents caused by driver negligence, auto defect cases focus on the responsibility of the manufacturer or another party in the supply chain. These lawsuits can help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Common Auto Defects That Lead to Lawsuits
Millions of vehicles have been recalled due to dangerous defects, but some defects are more serious than others. Below are some of the most common vehicle defects that have led to lawsuits and injury claims.
Defective Airbags
Airbags are designed to save lives, but when they fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly, they can cause severe injuries. Some defective airbags explode with too much force, sending metal fragments into the driver or passengers. Others fail to deploy at all, leaving occupants unprotected in a crash. The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest in history, involving millions of vehicles with defective airbags linked to injuries and deaths worldwide.
Faulty Braking Systems
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features of any vehicle. When a braking system is defective, it can cause sudden brake failure, unresponsive brakes, or unintended acceleration. Some anti-lock braking systems (ABS) malfunction, making it harder for drivers to stop safely in emergencies. In these cases, manufacturers and parts suppliers can be held liable for failing to ensure the brakes function correctly.
Tire Defects and Blowouts
Faulty tires can cause sudden blowouts, tread separation, or loss of traction, leading to devastating accidents. Many tire defect cases involve manufacturing flaws that cause the tire to deteriorate faster than expected. In some cases, companies continue selling defective tires even after learning about the risks, putting thousands of drivers at risk of serious crashes.
Steering and Suspension Failures
A defective steering system can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to crashes that could have been avoided. Common steering defects include faulty power steering, broken tie rods, and loose steering columns. Suspension failures, such as shock absorber malfunctions or defective axles, can also make vehicles unstable and unsafe.
Unintended Acceleration
Some vehicles accelerate unexpectedly due to defects in the throttle system, electronic controls, or floor mat design. These defects can cause drivers to lose control, increasing the risk of high-speed collisions. The Toyota sudden acceleration recall involved millions of vehicles linked to crashes caused by unintended acceleration, leading to numerous lawsuits.
Seatbelt Failures
Seatbelts are supposed to keep passengers secure in a crash, but defects can prevent them from working as intended. Some defective seatbelts unlatch during a collision, while others fail to tighten properly. In these cases, automakers and seatbelt manufacturers can be held responsible for injuries that occur due to their failure to provide adequate protection.
The Legal Process for an Auto Defect Lawsuit
Auto defect lawsuits are complex, requiring thorough investigations, expert testimony, and strong legal arguments to prove that a vehicle defect caused an accident or injury. Unlike typical car accident claims, these cases focus on holding automakers, parts manufacturers, or other third parties accountable for producing a defective product. An experienced attorney will guide you through each step, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of securing full compensation.
Case Evaluation and Investigation
The first step in filing an auto defect claim is determining whether you have a viable case. Your attorney will carefully review the details of your accident, examine your vehicle’s history, and analyze medical records to assess the extent of your injuries. They will also determine whether the defect in question has been the subject of recalls, consumer complaints, or prior lawsuits.
Investigations often involve obtaining expert analysis, inspecting the defective vehicle, and reviewing manufacturing and design documents. Engineers and automotive safety experts may be consulted to recreate the accident and determine whether the defect played a role.
Your attorney may also review internal company records to identify whether the manufacturer was aware of the defect and failed to take corrective action. If similar cases exist, your lawsuit may become part of a larger class action or mass tort litigation, allowing multiple victims to hold the manufacturer accountable.
Filing the Lawsuit
Once enough evidence has been gathered, your attorney will file a formal lawsuit against the responsible parties, which may include the vehicle manufacturer, a parts supplier, or even a dealership if they knowingly sold defective vehicles. The lawsuit will outline the nature of the defect, the injuries sustained, and the financial losses suffered as a result. It will also specify the compensation being sought, which may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages if the manufacturer was grossly negligent.
Settlement Negotiations or Trial
Many auto defect lawsuits are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than going to trial. In these cases, manufacturers may agree to compensate victims to avoid a lengthy and costly court battle. However, automakers do not always offer fair settlements upfront. If the manufacturer refuses to provide adequate compensation, your attorney will prepare to take the case to trial.
During a trial, your attorney will present expert testimony, accident reconstructions, and internal company records to demonstrate that the manufacturer knew about the defect, failed to act responsibly, and caused harm to consumers. Trials can be lengthy and complex, but they may result in larger financial awards, especially if the jury finds that the manufacturer acted with reckless disregard for safety.
Compensation in Auto Defect Cases
If you were injured due to a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The financial and emotional toll of an accident caused by a faulty car or defective part can be overwhelming, but a successful auto defect lawsuit can help you recover the damages you need to rebuild your life. Compensation typically falls into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the direct financial costs of your injury. This includes medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any long-term rehabilitation you may require. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity. Some victims face lifelong disabilities due to defective vehicles, making future medical treatment and home modifications necessary. An auto defect lawsuit ensures that these costs do not become a financial burden on you and your family.
Non-Economic Damages
While economic damages cover financial losses, non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries. Pain and suffering damages account for chronic pain, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. Many victims also experience emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by a traumatic accident. Additionally, if a vehicle defect prevents you from engaging in hobbies, sports, or spending time with loved ones, you may be compensated for loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the automaker or parts manufacturer acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety. If a company knowingly sold defective vehicles, failed to issue recalls, or covered up dangerous risks, they may be required to pay punitive damages as a form of punishment. These damages are designed to hold manufacturers accountable and deter other companies from engaging in similar misconduct.
While every case is unique, large settlements and jury awards are common in auto defect lawsuits — especially when evidence shows that manufacturers ignored safety concerns or prioritized profits over human lives. If you or a loved one was injured due to a defective vehicle, an experienced attorney can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Bretz Injury Law?
When you take on a major automaker or parts manufacturer, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and determination to fight back. At Bretz Injury Law, we have spent decades handling complex product liability cases, including those involving defective vehicles, faulty parts, and dangerous design flaws. We know the tactics automakers use to avoid responsibility, and we are prepared to counter them with aggressive legal strategies.
A Track Record of Success
Our results speak for themselves. We have recovered over $300 million for injury victims and have a 98% success rate in cases we pursue. We have helped clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death claims. Whether through negotiated settlements or courtroom litigation, our goal is always the same — to secure the maximum compensation possible for our clients.
Trial-Ready Attorneys Who Fight for You
Many law firms focus on quick settlements, but at Bretz Injury Law, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Manufacturers and insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know they are up against a firm with a proven track record in the courtroom. If they refuse to negotiate in good faith, we will present your case before a jury and fight for the justice you deserve.
No Upfront Costs — You Only Pay If We Win
We believe that everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your health and recovery without worrying about legal expenses.
Injured by an Auto Defect? Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a defective vehicle or auto part, don’t wait to take legal action. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be. Evidence must be collected, expert witnesses may be needed, and deadlines for filing a claim can be strict. Acting quickly ensures that your rights are protected and that you have the best possible chance of securing full compensation.
At Bretz Injury Law, we fight for victims of auto defects, dangerous design flaws, and manufacturing failures. Call us today at 620-RESULTS or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us stand up to negligent automakers, demand accountability, and fight for the justice you deserve.
