Cars and their safety features have come a long way. Improvements are continually being made to create safer and more reliable vehicles. But what happens when the car and airbags that are meant to keep you safe are the reason you’re injured?
When an airbag fails to deploy or deploys unexpectedly, or when a vehicle has a defective component contributing to an accident, it raises important questions of liability. Who is responsible for these failures and defects that put lives at risk? Is it the manufacturer, the dealership or repair shop, or even the driver themselves? Determining liability in cases involving airbag failures and vehicle defects is a complex process that requires a thorough investigation and a deep understanding of product liability laws.
The Payne Law Group has over 50 years of experience serving Brazos County’s community. We are well-versed in product liability laws and want to help you protect your rights and explore your options. Learn more about the process below.
Establishing Liability
Liability in airbag failure and vehicle defect cases often falls into three main categories:
- Manufacturer Liability: Automakers can be held liable for design or manufacturing defects that make a vehicle or its safety systems unreasonably dangerous. Strict product liability laws hold manufacturers responsible for ensuring their products are reasonably safe for their intended use.
- Dealership/Repair Shop Liability: Car dealerships and repair shops have a duty to properly inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles. If they fail to identify or address issues with airbags or other safety components, they may be liable for any resulting injuries or damage.
- Driver Liability: Sometimes, a driver’s actions or negligence may contribute to or cause an airbag failure or defect-related incident. For example, improper maintenance or unauthorized modifications could negate warranties and lead to liability.
The next step is to gather all available evidence and information to investigate further and prove the liability.
Evidence and Investigation
Preserving evidence is crucial in airbag failure and vehicle defect cases. This includes the damaged vehicle, airbag control modules, event data recorders (“black boxes”), maintenance records, and any relevant documentation or correspondence with the manufacturer or dealership.
Expert witnesses can play an important role in these cases. Accident reconstruction specialists can analyze the crash scene and vehicle damage to determine the sequence of events and potential contributing factors. Engineering experts can examine the airbag system, vehicle components, and design specifications to identify defects or malfunctions. The next step is to look at your recovery options.
Legal Options and Compensation
Depending on the investigation results and consulting with experts, a few legal options are available. Product liability claims can be brought against manufacturers for design or manufacturing defects. Negligence claims may be applicable against dealerships, repair shops, or even drivers in certain circumstances.
Potential damages in these cases can include compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other losses or injuries sustained.
These are just a few of the possible recovery options. Your attorney will discuss which types would best suit your situation and maximize your potential recovery.
Protecting Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving an airbag failure or vehicle defect, seeking legal representation as soon as possible is essential to your case. Manufacturers and insurance companies may employ tactics to minimize payouts or shift blame, so having a skilled attorney on your side could be the difference between adequate compensation or a big headache.
Our lawyers in Bryan and College Station want to fight for you. We will leverage our resources and experience to achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a consultation.