Automobile Defects: Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer Explains The Latest Risks

Car accidents are complex events that can happen for a variety of reasons. While reckless behavior on the part of one of the drivers involved is often to blame, automobile defects can also play a role. Even if defects do not result in a crash, they can still cause serious personal injuries. Amidst recent headlines concerning airbag recalls, our Bradenton car accident lawyer explains the latest risks and how to protect yourself and your passengers.

Auto Defects Pose Major Hazards To Drivers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that automotive defects are a common contributing factor in the more than six million car accidents that happen throughout the United States each year. Design defects and faulty parts or assembly are common problems that all motorists need to be aware of. Examples of auto defects that can increase the risk of Bradenton car accidents include:

• Defective steering components, resulting in loss of vehicle control;
• Fuel system leaks, increasing the odds of vehicle fires;
• Sudden acceleration due to stuck parts;
• Tire and wheel defects, resulting in blowouts;
• Brake issues impacting your ability to stop when needed;
• Defects in seats, seat belts, and other parts that endanger drivers and passengers in the vehicle.

Protecting Yourself Against Auto Defects

Auto defects result in the recall of millions of vehicles each year. One common problem that routinely makes headlines concerns airbags that do not work in the way they were designed.

Car and Driver reported on another potential airbag recall in October 2023 involving two airbag inflator manufacturers, ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive Systems.

It follows on the heels of the Takata airbag scandal, which has resulted in recalls impacting 67 million vehicles since 2014. This time an estimated 52 million cars are likely to be affected. Problems center around airbags that do not inflate properly on impact, inflate for no reason, or explode due to defective inflator parts, all of which can cause serious harm. To protect yourself and your passengers, follow these tips:

• Check for any outstanding recalls on your vehicle through the NHTSA website;
• Be alert for recall or product defect notices you receive through the mail;
• If your vehicle is subject to a recall, take it to a local dealer promptly to address the issue;
• If you are injured due to defective parts or in a crash in which your vehicle malfunctioned, notify the police, get an accident report, seek medical attention, and contact our Bradenton car accident lawyer.

Request A Consultation With Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer

Auto manufacturers can be held liable when defective parts play a role in car accidents in Bradenton or otherwise cause personal injuries. Get the professional legal representation you need in filing a claim at the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely.

As one of only a small percentage of certified trial lawyers, we are uniquely qualified to handle these types of complex cases. To discuss your options with our Bradenton car accident lawyer, call or contact us online and request a consultation today.

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/14218-mvsdefectsandrecalls_041619-v2-tag.pdf

consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/takata-airbag-recall-everything-you-need-to-know-a1060713669/

nhtsa.gov/events/public-meeting-arc-delphi-air-bag-inflators