Baton Rouge Auto Defect Lawyers

When you drive, you expect your vehicle to function as intended. However, auto defects can jeopardize your safety, causing serious accidents and injuries. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a defective vehicle or auto part, you need experienced legal representation. At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we are committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable and securing compensation for victims of auto defects in Baton Rouge, LA.

Call (225) 230-3110 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation with our team.

Common Types of Defective Auto Parts

Auto defects can occur in any part of a vehicle. However, certain components are more prone to defects, and when they fail, the consequences can be devastating. Below are some of the most common defective auto parts that lead to accidents and injuries:

• Brakes: Defective brakes are one of the most dangerous malfunctions a vehicle can experience. A failure in the braking system can make it impossible to stop the car in time to avoid a collision. Brake defects may include faulty brake pads, hydraulic issues, or malfunctioning anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
• Tires: Tire blowouts, tread separation, or defective tire designs can lead to loss of control, resulting in rollovers or serious accidents. Tire defects are often linked to poor manufacturing practices or the use of substandard materials.
• Airbags: Airbags are intended to protect passengers during a collision, but defective airbags can deploy too forcefully, not deploy at all, or deploy unexpectedly. These malfunctions can cause severe injuries, including fractures, burns, or even death.
• Seatbelts: Seatbelts are critical for protecting passengers during an accident. However, defects like improper latching mechanisms or failure to retract can lead to severe injury or ejection from the vehicle in the event of a crash.
• Steering Systems: Defective steering components can lead to loss of control, making it difficult or impossible for the driver to steer the vehicle. Issues like power steering failure, misaligned steering columns, or malfunctioning rack-and-pinion systems can result in serious accidents.
• Fuel Systems: Fuel system defects, including gas tank placement or defective fuel lines, can lead to fires or explosions in the event of an accident. Poor design or faulty manufacturing often contributes to these hazardous defects.
• Electrical Systems: Faulty electrical systems can cause vehicle fires, loss of critical functions like headlights, brake lights, or windshield wipers, and other dangerous malfunctions that compromise driver safety.
• Accelerator and Throttle Systems: Sudden unintended acceleration due to defective throttle or accelerator systems can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. This type of defect has been the subject of many recalls and legal claims in the past.

Who is Liable for an Auto Defect?

In cases involving auto defects, determining liability can be complex. Multiple parties may be responsible for a defect, and identifying the correct liable party is crucial for a successful claim. Below are some of the potential parties that may be held accountable in an auto defect case:

• Vehicle Manufacturers: The car manufacturer is often the primary party responsible for defects. If a vehicle is improperly designed or constructed with faulty components, the manufacturer can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries. Manufacturers have a duty to ensure their vehicles are safe and free from defects before they are released to the public.
• Parts Manufacturers: In some cases, the defect may lie in a specific part rather than the entire vehicle. If a defective component, such as brakes or airbags, causes an accident, the company responsible for manufacturing that part may be liable.
• Dealerships or Sellers: If a dealership or seller knew or should have known about the defect and sold the vehicle anyway, they may share liability for any accidents or injuries caused by the defect.
• Repair Shops: Improper repairs or the use of defective parts during routine maintenance can also lead to accidents. If a repair shop installed a faulty component or failed to fix a known issue, they could be held accountable for damages.

Proving Liability in Auto Defect Cases

Proving liability in auto defect claims can be challenging, but an experienced Baton Rouge auto defect lawyer at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys can help you build a strong case. Here’s how we approach proving liability:

1. Demonstrating the Defect: We work with auto experts and engineers to identify the exact nature of the defect in your vehicle or its components. This evidence is crucial for establishing the defect and linking it to your accident.
2. Showing Causation: It’s not enough to simply show that a defect exists; we must also prove that the defect caused the accident or worsened your injuries. By reconstructing the accident and analyzing data, we can demonstrate how the defect directly impacted your case.
3. Recalls and Safety Records: If the vehicle or part involved has been subject to recalls or if there is a documented history of similar defects, this information can be used to strengthen your claim.
4. Manufacturer Negligence: We’ll investigate whether the manufacturer followed industry standards and safety regulations during the design, manufacturing, and testing of the vehicle or its components. If the manufacturer failed in any of these areas, they could be held responsible for your damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective vehicle or auto part, it’s essential to act quickly. Contact us today at (225) 230-3110 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Baton Rouge auto defect lawyer.