Product Liability

Chicago Auto Defects Lawyer

Defective vehicles can cause serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure cars, trucks, and SUVs are safe for consumers. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can suffer devastating consequences when a defect goes unnoticed or unaddressed.

At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we know how life-changing a crash caused by a vehicle defect can be. If you were injured because of a faulty part, unsafe design, or manufacturing error, our product liability attorneys can help you pursue full compensation.

Call (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.

Vehicle Defects Can Lead to Serious Accidents

Not all car accidents are the result of driver error. Many crashes occur because of mechanical, design, or manufacturing defects that make vehicles unsafe to operate. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we have seen firsthand how these defects can cause catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or even death.

Identifying the specific defect is crucial to holding the responsible parties accountable, whether it’s the manufacturer, a parts supplier, or a dealer.

Common Auto Defects in Chicago Product Liability Cases

Vehicle defects often go unnoticed until a serious accident occurs. Even minor malfunctions can lead to life-threatening crashes, making it essential to identify the cause and pursue legal accountability.

Faulty Airbags or Seatbelt Systems

Airbags that fail to deploy or deploy improperly and seatbelts that break or do not lock correctly can leave occupants unprotected in a crash. These failures often result in head trauma, spinal injuries, or broken bones that could have been prevented with properly functioning safety devices.

Brake or Steering Failures

Defective brake systems, brake lines, or power steering components can cause sudden loss of vehicle control. Even minor malfunctions may result in rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, or rollovers, putting drivers, passengers, and other motorists at risk.

Engine or Transmission Defects

Engines that stall unexpectedly, transmissions that slip or fail to shift, and other drivetrain malfunctions can cause accidents in high-speed traffic or on busy highways. These defects may also lead to fires, smoke inhalation injuries, or secondary crashes.

Defective Tires or Tire Blowouts

Manufacturing flaws or defective tires can cause sudden blowouts, loss of traction, or tread separation. Tire failures are a leading cause of highway accidents and can lead to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles. 

Electrical or Software Malfunctions

Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics and software systems. Faulty wiring, battery issues, or software glitches can disable safety features, cause engine malfunctions, or even trigger unintended acceleration, resulting in serious crashes.

Fuel System or Gas Tank Defects Leading to Fire

Defective fuel pumps, leaking gas lines, or improperly designed fuel tanks can increase the risk of post-accident fires or explosions. These hazards can cause severe burns, internal injuries, or fatalities, even in low-speed accidents.

Unsafe Vehicle Design That Increases Rollover Risk

Certain SUVs, trucks, or vans may have high centers of gravity, poorly engineered suspension, or structural weaknesses that make them prone to rollovers during sharp turns, emergency maneuvers, or collisions. These accidents often result in severe head, spinal, and internal injuries.

Vehicle defects are preventable, and manufacturers are responsible for keeping drivers and passengers safe. If you’ve been injured due to a defective vehicle, our attorneys can investigate the cause, gather evidence, and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Defective Cars Can Harm Anyone: Drivers, Passengers, and Bystanders

Auto defects don’t just put drivers at risk; passengers, pedestrians, and even motorists can be injured in crashes caused by faulty vehicles. Defective brakes, airbags, steering systems, tires, or other components can lead to sudden loss of control, rollovers, or collisions that affect anyone nearby. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we carefully investigate the root cause of every crash to determine liability and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Defective vehicle accidents can happen in virtually any driving scenario, from slow-speed collisions in parking lots to high-speed highway crashes. Even minor defects can trigger catastrophic accidents, making early investigation essential for preserving evidence and building a strong case.

Typical Locations of Defect-Related Crashes Include:

Defective vehicles can cause accidents in almost any setting, affecting drivers, passengers, and even bystanders. Understanding where these crashes commonly occur helps our attorneys investigate liability and build strong cases for victims.

Highways and Freeways

Due to high speeds, accidents on highways are often more severe. Defective brakes, tires, or steering can make sudden maneuvers nearly impossible, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.

Residential Streets and Intersections

Brake failures, unintended acceleration, or other defects can cause accidents at intersections, crosswalks, and driveways, endangering drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike.

Parking Lots and Garages

Defective steering, braking, or parking sensors can collide with other vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects in confined spaces.

Ride-Share and Taxi Vehicles

Defects in commercial ride-share or taxi vehicles endanger passengers and expose the operating company or vehicle owner to liability.

Public Transportation Vehicles

Buses, shuttles, and other transit vehicles with defects can cause accidents that harm multiple passengers and bystanders at once.

Delivery Trucks and Commercial Vehicles

Malfunctions in brakes, tires, or cargo restraints can trigger serious crashes, often with widespread property damage or severe injuries.

Injuries from Defective Vehicles Can Be Severe

Accidents caused by auto defects often result in serious, life-altering injuries. Even a minor defect can trigger a crash that leads to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Some of the most common injuries from defect-related crashes include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

Head injuries can occur when airbags fail, seatbelts malfunction, or collisions are severe. TBIs can range from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairments, memory loss, and long-term care needs. These injuries may also cause chronic headaches, mood changes, or difficulty performing daily activities, significantly affecting quality of life.

Spinal Cord & Back Injuries

Defective vehicles can contribute to herniated discs, spinal fractures, or compression injuries. Severe cases may lead to partial or total paralysis, mobility issues, and chronic pain. Even less severe back injuries can require months of physical therapy, resulting in long-lasting weakness, numbness, or discomfort.

Broken Bones & Fractures

Accidents caused by defective brakes, steering, or tires can result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Complex fractures may require surgery, pins, plates, or screws, followed by long-term rehabilitation. Broken bones and fractures can impact your ability to work, drive, or perform everyday tasks for months or even years.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Whiplash, ligament tears, and tendon injuries are common when a vehicle fails to absorb crash impact properly. These injuries can cause significant pain, reduced mobility, and months of rehabilitation. Soft tissue damage can sometimes become chronic, leading to ongoing limitations and discomfort.

Burns & Internal Injuries

Fuel systems, engines, or electrical wiring defects can cause fires, explosions, or chemical exposure during a crash. Victims may suffer severe burns, organ damage, or other life-threatening injuries. Even when immediate survival is possible, these injuries often require multiple surgeries and long-term medical care. 

Who Can Be Liable for an Auto Defect Accident?

Manufacturers and suppliers have a legal duty to ensure vehicle safety for consumers. They may be held liable if they knew, or should have known, about a defect and failed to repair, recall, or warn the public.

In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for a single crash, making it essential to identify all potential defendants to maximize compensation.

When Manufacturers May Be Liable:

  • Failure to recall a defective vehicle or part
    If a manufacturer is aware of a defect and does not issue a timely recall, they can be held responsible for injuries that result from that defect.
  • Design flaws that create unsafe conditions
    Vehicles with poor structural integrity, high rollover risk, or unsafe placement of critical components can make crashes more dangerous.
  • Manufacturing errors that compromise safety
    Mistakes in assembly or quality control, such as improperly installed airbags, brakes, or steering components, can turn an ordinary accident into a catastrophic one.
  • Failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions
    Manufacturers must provide clear instructions and safety warnings. Failure to do so, such as not informing drivers about potential defects, can lead to liability.

To check if your vehicle is affected by a recall, visit the NHTSA recall database and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Other Potentially Liable Parties: 

  • Auto parts suppliers
    A faulty part may originate from a supplier rather than the vehicle manufacturer. Suppliers can be responsible if their defective component contributes to an accident.
  • Vehicle dealerships that sold known defective vehicles
    Dealerships may be liable if they knowingly sold defective vehicles or failed to alert customers about recalls.
  • Maintenance or repair companies that failed to correct known defects
    Mechanics and service centers that ignore known issues or improperly repair vehicles can also share liability.

An experienced auto defect attorney can investigate the accident, identify all responsible parties, and build a strong case to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

From Investigation to Litigation: Staver is With You Every Step

When you hire Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we act quickly to preserve evidence, document the defect, and pursue justice for your injuries. Our team is with you from the first call through every stage of your claim or lawsuit.

Step 1: Investigate the Vehicle and Accident

We conduct a thorough investigation of your vehicle and the crash scene. This includes examining the car for defects, obtaining maintenance and repair records, reviewing manufacturer recalls, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts to determine the root cause of the crash.

Step 2: Identify the Liable Parties

Once the defect is confirmed, we will determine which parties are legally responsible for your accident. This could include the manufacturer, a parts supplier, the dealership, or a maintenance provider. We ensure every potential source of liability is considered. 

Step 3: File Your Claim

We prepare and send a formal demand to the at-fault parties and their insurers, seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation, and other damages. Our goal is to negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life. 

Step 4: Prepare for Litigation (If Needed)

If the insurance company or manufacturer refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. From discovery to trial, we advocate aggressively, presenting a compelling case to secure the maximum recovery possible.

Compensation for Defective Vehicle Accidents

Claims involving defective vehicles can cover far more than immediate medical expenses. Our attorneys fight for the full value of your financial and personal losses, ensuring you are compensated for all the ways the accident has affected your life.

You May Be Eligible to Recover:

  • Medical expenses (both past and future, including surgery and therapy)
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
  • Disability or permanent injuries
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and other non-economic damages

Our results from past clients reflect our commitment to helping victims of defective vehicles recover the compensation they deserve. Every case is unique, and our team works tirelessly to pursue maximum recovery for each client.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Defects in Chicago

How long do I have to file an auto defect claim in Illinois?

In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a product liability claim. Certain circumstances, such as injuries that are not immediately apparent, may extend or shorten this deadline. It’s essential to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What if the defect wasn’t obvious?

Even hidden or latent defects can give rise to liability if the manufacturer, supplier, or dealer knew, or should have known, about the issue. These defects may not be immediately apparent, but can still cause serious accidents. An attorney can investigate the vehicle, review recall notices, and determine whether the responsible parties failed to act.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages such as pain and suffering. Each defective vehicle accident is unique, and compensation must reflect the full impact on your life. A skilled lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue the maximum recovery available under Illinois law.

Can I sue the car manufacturer directly?

Yes, Illinois law allows victims to pursue claims directly against manufacturers, suppliers, dealerships, or maintenance providers if a defect caused the crash. In many cases, multiple parties may share liability. An attorney can identify all responsible parties and guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Injured by a Defective Vehicle? Staver Can Help Now

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a vehicle defect in Chicago, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and so does your chance to recover the compensation you deserve.

Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. You’ll get answers, guidance, and aggressive representation from experienced auto defect attorneys.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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