A personal vehicle proves to help get to and from important daily activities, like work, shopping, and school. Motor vehicle owners expect their vehicles to help transport them to these locations safely. However, with all of a vehicle’s moving parts, issues can arise that put that vehicle’s occupants in danger. Vehicle defects often become apparent when a motorist least expects them, and these can lead to serious injuries. It is helpful to consider what can go wrong with your vehicle, and who might be held accountable after a car crash caused by defective car parts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided some helpful tools to track whether your vehicle has been subject to a recall, and below is an overview of the five most common vehicle defects.
Defective Seat Belts
Most people make it a habit to buckle up immediately upon getting into a vehicle. After all, we know that seat belts have proven to be lifesavers over and over again. But a seat belt that does not operate as intended by the manufacturer can cause substantial injuries. These defects can range in nature from broken latches to tension detectors that do not work properly.
Defective Airbags
Many times, defective airbags deploy while a person is operating a vehicle even when there has been no impact. Defective airbags can deploy and obstruct the vision of drivers, which can, in turn, lead to serious accidents. A defective airbag can suddenly come loose with substantial force and injure the face or upper body of motorists. For example, the Takata recall involved defective airbags that deployed and shot deadly metal fragments into the vehicle occupants.
Defective Fuel Systems
Highly flammable materials can prove dangerous, particularly when they cause explosions. Fuel systems that work improperly or are defective are responsible for a large number of vehicle fires. A common cause of a defect found in fuel systems involves defective cut-off devices that fail to stop the flow of gas after a motor vehicle collision.
Defective Braking Systems
Defective brakes are hazardous for obvious reasons, and they are surprisingly common. If you cannot safely stop your vehicle, you are in danger. Some signs that your brakes might be working improperly include overheating, defective emergency brakes, and hydraulic lines that leak fluid.
Defective Tires
Inspecting your vehicle’s tire pressure is a basic element of vehicle maintenance because poor tire pressure can lead to tire blowouts. Defects in tires can cause tires to pressure much more quickly. Additionally, misaligned suspensions and defective suspensions can result in uneven tire wear and even tire blowouts.
Do Not Hesitate to Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident caused by a defective part, you should not hesitate to speak with a compassionate attorney. Defective product lawsuits, otherwise known as product liability lawsuits, are often extremely complicated. You will have your best chances at obtaining the compensation you deserve for your losses if you have the assistance of an experienced lawyer. Contact House Law LLC today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Tags: car accidents, Common Vehicle Defects, vehicle defects
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