When a negligent driver causes a car accident, a car accident lawyer can readily identify and pursue the at-fault party for compensation. However, when a flawed or faulty auto part causes an accident, pursuing compensation can be much more complicated.
Navigating bodily injuries and pursuing compensation can be easier with guidance from a car accident lawyer familiar with defective auto parts litigation. They can navigate the financial recovery process, gather supporting evidence, and fight for fair compensation.
Who Pays for Defective Auto Parts in Car Accident Lawsuits?
You do not have to navigate legal landscape alone. A personal injury lawyer in your area can investigate your automobile accident and have an auto parts expert inspect your vehicle to document what went wrong.
When a car accident attorney serving handles your case, they will identify the elements of negligence that allow you to seek damages and prove:
- A defective part was unsafe
- The part directly caused the accident
- The defect was not detected or corrected
Potentially liable parties could include the part manufacturer, the car manufacturer if they were aware of the defect, or another negligent party in the parts and car assembly chain.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer to Strengthen Your Claim
Evidence in a car accident case usually includes the police report, witness statements, medical records, and accident scene photos to prove its cause and effect. If a defective auto part caused your accident, your personal injury attorney may need to gather additional evidence, including:
- Car or parts recall notices
- Repair shop notes and records
- Photos of the defective part
- Photos of the vehicle
- Auto expert testimonials
Your case file will play an important role in getting legal recourse for defective auto parts. When it clearly indicates the negligent party’s fault, your case will likely end with an insurance settlement versus a potentially lengthy court case.
Your auto accident attorney will also file your personal injury claim or lawsuit and negotiate with the insurance adjuster and other involved parties on your behalf for a fair settlement. They will handle the entire legal process for you while you focus on healing.
How Defective Products Can Cause a Car Accident
Every car has many parts that work in concert for its safe operation. When a part does not or cannot perform its role, it can disable a vehicle or render it unsafe. A few parts that contribute to the safe makeup of a car include:
- Airbags that can unexpectedly deploy or fail to deploy when needed
- A faulty steering system that causes a loss of control of the vehicle
- Tire defects, including tread and belt separation or improper design
- Windshield wipers that stop unexpectedly or cause window smears
- Brakes and pads that do not function and cause an inability to stop
This list is not exhaustive. If a defective car part caused your motor vehicle accident, a local car accident attorney can review your case and help you understand your rights. Your auto accident lawyer can also define the manufacturer’s potential liability and define legal liability and litigation in your defective car parts case.
Financial Recovery for Defective Auto Product Liability
After proving the car or parts manufacturer’s negligence caused your accident, you can seek fair compensation from the responsible party’s insurance company. According to Florida Statutes § 768.81, common types of recoverable economic and non-economic damages can include:
- Current and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care
- Current and future income loss
- Loss of future earning potential
- Vehicle damage or destruction
- Diminished property value
- Disability and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages, if applicable, will include funeral costs, loss of the decedent’s financial support, and loss of their contributions to your household. They can also include your pain and suffering and loss of consortium, care, and companionship.
Time Limits that Affect Automotive Defect Lawsuits
Filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is time-sensitive. Florida Statutes § 95.11 generally gives you two years from the accident date to file. This timeframe represents a recent reduction of the previous four-year statute of limitations.
An expired filing deadline could prevent you from filing your personal injury lawsuit at all or lead to its immediate dismissal. Your personal injury attorney will clarify the deadline based on the details and circumstances of your case. With their guidance, you can avoid jeopardizing your right to sue the at-fault party.
Call Now for Your No-Cost, No-Obligation Car Accident Evaluation
If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident caused by a parts defect or you lost a loved one in a fatal accident, a car accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm will pursue fair compensation for you and your family via an auto accident claim or lawsuit.
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we are passionate about getting compensation for automobile accident victims. Get started by contacting our case evaluation team to learn more about securing legal representation and your right to financial compensation. Simply fill out our contact form or call (954) 633-8270 today.
