If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to a defective vehicle component, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding how to pursue a liability claim is essential in securing the resources you need to recover. Learn more about defective products and how to file a liability claim, or contact our car accident lawyers in Chicago, IL.
Common Defective Auto Parts That Cause Accidents
Automobile defects can originate from design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate safety testing. Some of the most common defective car parts include:
- Airbag Failure – Airbags that fail to deploy or unexpectedly rupture can cause severe injuries. The Takata airbag recall affected millions of vehicles due to dangerous inflator defects, and new recalls continue to be issued.
- Brake Failure – Faulty brakes, misaligned brake linings, or oil contamination can extend stopping distance and lead to catastrophic crashes.
- Tire Blowouts – Defective tires with improper tread wear or weak sidewalls can rapidly deflate, leading to loss of control.
- Seatbelt Malfunction – Defective seatbelts that unlatch or fail during a collision increase the risk of ejection and serious injuries.
- Roof Collapse – Weak structural integrity in rollover accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Ignition Switch Failure – Defective ignition switches can unexpectedly shut off a vehicle, disabling power steering, brakes, and airbags.
Recent Auto Recalls
Automakers regularly issue recalls for defective components that pose serious safety risks. Some of the most recent major recalls include:
- Takata Airbag Recall – The Takata airbag crisis continues, with additional vehicles being recalled in 2023-2024 due to faulty inflators that may explode on deployment.
- Brake System Defects – Multiple automakers, including [Brand Placeholder], issued recalls for malfunctioning brake components that could reduce stopping power.
- Faulty Fuel Pumps – Recent recalls have involved fuel pump failures that could cause engine stalls while driving, increasing accident risks.
- Steering System Defects – Vehicles with steering column defects have been recalled due to the risk of sudden loss of steering control.
To check if your vehicle is affected by a recall, visit the NHTSA recall database and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Who is Liable for a Defective Auto Part?
When a defective car part leads to an accident, multiple parties may be held accountable, including:
- Vehicle Manufacturer – If the defect was due to design flaws or improper safety testing, the automaker may be liable.
- Parts Manufacturer – Companies that produce defective components may share responsibility for damages.
- Car Dealership – If a dealership sells a vehicle with known defects or fails to inspect it properly, they could be held liable.
- Automotive Supply Shops – Retailers that distribute faulty replacement parts may be accountable.
- Distributors and Transporters – Any entity in the supply chain that mishandles or damages vehicle components can contribute to liability.
What to Do If You Suspect an Auto Defect Caused Your Accident
If you believe a defective vehicle component contributed to your crash, take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries from defective car parts may not be immediately apparent.
- Preserve Evidence – Take photos of your vehicle, including any damaged or malfunctioning parts. Avoid repairing or disposing of the vehicle until an expert can inspect it.
- Check for Recalls – Look up your vehicle’s VIN on the NHTSA website to see if it has been recalled.
- File a Report – Notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the manufacturer about the defect.
- Consult a Product Liability Attorney – An experienced lawyer can investigate your case and determine who may be liable.
How to File a Product Liability Claim
Filing a product liability claim requires demonstrating one or more of the following:
- Negligence – The responsible party failed to ensure the safety of the product.
- Strict Liability – The defect itself caused injury, regardless of intent or negligence.
- Breach of Warranty – The product did not perform as guaranteed by its manufacturer.
Illinois law allows only two years to file a lawsuit, so acting quickly is crucial.
Get Help from a Chicago Defective Product Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a defective auto part, Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling product liability cases and will work to maximize your compensation.
We serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. Call us today at (312) 236-2900 for a free consultation. We don’t charge legal fees unless we win,
