Automotive Products Liability

Those who make and sell automotive products have a duty to ensure that those products are safe and will not cause harm to the people who use them. When someone is injured by an unsafe product, he or she has the right to hire a car accident lawyer and bring a personal injury claim, also called a products liability claim, to recover compensation for injuries against the manufacturer of the product. In products liability claims, the automobile manufacturer and possibly the seller are responsible for any injuries, including wrongful death, caused by a defect in their product. This is true even if the manufacturer and the seller used reasonable care in the making or selling of the automobile or the automotive part.

The Chicago automotive products liability attorneys of Phillips Law Offices have been assisting clients injured by automotive defects for over 65 years. If you were injured as a result of a defective automotive product, you should contact our transportation lawyers immediately for expert advice on your case.

Before filing a claim with one of our Chicago personal injury attorneys, it’s important that you understand what kinds of automotive defects you could be faced with. The major types of automobile defects include:

• Defective fuel systems. Can turn minor accidents into major ones by sparking post-collision fires.
• Tire defects. Tread separation and tire blowouts can cause rollovers and other serious accidents and injuries when tires are poorly designed and manufactured.
• Seat and seat belt defects. Occur when the seats in an automobile are not manufactured to strict crashworthiness standards. They can collapse during a wreck, resulting in serious injuries to drivers and passengers.
• Airbag defects. Include airbags that fail to deploy when they should, airbags that deploy late, and airbags that are too powerful and cause catastrophic injuries.
• Rollovers and crushed roofs. Injuries can increase exponentially when roofs crush inward due to design defects.
• Crashworthiness. Auto manufacturers have a responsibility to design cars to protect drivers and passengers from being unnecessarily injured or killed. That legal principle is called crashworthiness.

When a defective product causes an otherwise avoidable accident or injury, the manufacturer can be held legally responsible. Therefore, anyone injured by a defect in their automobile has the right to bring a products liability claim against the car manufacturer.

Products liability claims are an important way to ensure that those who make products that cause harm to people are either improved or removed from the market before others can get hurt. If you have been injured by an automobile defect, contact our experienced Illinois accident lawyers at Phillips Law Offices for more information.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective automobile product, you should contact a Chicago seatbelt injury attorney right away. The lawyers at Phillips Law Offices offer quality and comprehensive legal services to the injured and their families throughout Illinois. Call (312) 346-4262 or contact us online today for a free consultation with a Chicago seatbelt injury lawyer about your case.

1. What types of damages can a victim of automotive product defects seek?

Victims of automotive product defects can seek various types of damages, including:

Medical Expenses: Compensation for the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing healthcare related to injuries caused by the defect.

Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to injuries, including past and future earnings.

Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for damaged vehicles and other property.

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.

Wrongful Death: If a loved one is killed due to an automotive product defect, surviving family members can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.

How can one prove an automotive product liability case?

Proving an automotive product liability case typically involves establishing three key elements:

Defect: Demonstrating that there was a defect in the vehicle or its components that directly caused the accident or injury. This may require expert testimony and a thorough investigation.

Causation: Establishing a direct link between the defect and the accident or injury. This often involves showing that the defect was the primary cause of the harm.

Damages: Providing evidence of the actual damages suffered as a result of the defect, such as medical bills, repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How can I find an attorney to handle my automotive product liability case?

To find an attorney for your automotive product liability case:

Research: Look for attorneys who specialize in product liability or automotive defect cases.

Consultations: Schedule consultations with potential lawyers to discuss your case and evaluate their experience and expertise.

References: Ask for referrals from friends, family, or other attorneys.

Online Resources: Use online legal directories or your state’s bar association website to find qualified attorneys.

Review Past Cases: Check if the attorney has successfully handled similar cases in the past.

Remember to choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable and confident in handling your case effectively.

Are there specific regulations and safety standards that govern automotive products?

Yes, there are numerous federal and state regulations and safety standards that govern automotive products in the United States. These standards cover various aspects of vehicle design, performance, and safety, and they are intended to ensure that vehicles and their components meet certain safety and quality requirements.

What role do recalls play in automotive product liability cases?

Recalls are an important factor in automotive product liability cases. When a defect is discovered in a vehicle or its components, the manufacturer may issue a recall to repair or replace the defective part. However, a recall does not absolve the manufacturer of liability for injuries that occurred before the recall was issued. Victims of accidents caused by the defect can still pursue legal action for damages.