The majority of car accidents are the result of driver error. However, defective car design is also an issue that can lead to a crash. When a car manufacturer designs a new automobile safety must be factored into the plan. If there are defects or flaws in a car’s design this makes the automobile incredibly dangerous to the public. Individuals that are in a crash from a defective car design can suffer devastating injuries and death.

Due to the extensive damages that defective cars have the potential to inflict including physical bodily harm and property damages, victims should consult with a lawyer to help them manage their personal injury claim. Specifically, a lawyer with extensive experience practicing personal injury law. In Florida, the Jacksonville personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates can help victims learn about their rights after a crash and what compensation they may be able to secure.

What Happens When a Defective Car Design Causes an Accident?

When a car manufacturer designs a car, they will also put it through many tests to determine its safety. Not only is it required to test cars to meet federal safety standards, but it is also good business for manufacturers. When a car does well in these tests, it can be rated higher for safety and be a more attractive automobile to consumers.

Still, even with this rigorous testing, there are still many cars on the road that are defective. When a car is determined to be defective, the manufacturer of the car can issue a recall. If a specific part of a car is not working properly or there are other mechanical issues, a recall allows drivers to bring their car into a car repair shop and have it fixed at the manufacturer’s expense.

When a defective car is deemed to be the reason that a crash happens, manufactures may also be held liable in a product liability suit. Manufacturers that are found liable for a defective vehicle will be financially responsible for paying victims that sustained harm from their car accident.

The Jacksonville car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates have helped victims of car accidents get the compensation they need from their personal injury claim to pay for their damages. The attorneys at Sheftall Law are dedicated to providing victims of injury accidents like car crashes with the highest level of legal guidance and representation. Residents of northeastern Florida that partner with Sheftall Law can feel confident that their claims are being handled professionally and proficiently.

What are the Most Common Types of Car Defects?

There are several types of defects that can make a car extremely hazardous on the road. Some of the most common types of car defects include: 

• Brake Failure: Technology today with respect to how a car’s brakes operate is very advanced. It is also highly complex. If a manufacturer does not properly install the braking system in a car this makes the car unsafe. However, when defective brakes are just a matter of not being installed correctly, that does not necessarily mean that every car of a particular model will have defective brakes and be unsound. If the braking system was poorly designed though, this means that across the board, all of the cars will have the same bad brakes. As a result, all of the cars of a particular model are at high risk of causing a collision.
• Defective Tires: It is important for drivers to take care of their tires including making sure they are properly inflated for the conditions. Many cars today have alert systems which can tell a driver if a car’s tires are not at their proper inflation. Also, rotating a car’s tires can help them wear more evenly, and increase their lifespan. But, even when a driver takes these actions, if the tires themselves are faulty they are still prone to blowing out and causing an accident.
• Steering Issues: If your car has a defect with respect to its steering and suspension system it does not matter how responsible and cautious you are as a driver. It will be difficult to impossible to control your car. Should this be the case, a car can crash into another object or another vehicle.

Liability for Crashes that Result from Car Defects

From the actual design of a car to how it is assembled, every measure must be taken by manufacturers to make sure the vehicle is safe. Because car accidents are a leading cause of all injury and death across the United States, the importance of building safe cars is critical.

When a defective car causes a crash in Jacksonville, a victim can bring about a civil suit against the manufacturer for compensation. The burden of proof is on the victim. A victim will have to have sufficient evidence to show that a defective car was the reason that a crash happened and damages resulted. Some cases are more clear-cut than others. 

Defective designs can affect all the cars of a certain model, meaning that there is a higher likelihood that several accidents may have resulted from the design issues before a recall is sent out. This reality can help strengthen a victim’s case for product liability from a defective design. When only a handful of the model car has issues, the case becomes more challenging to prove. A skilled attorney will understand how to collect the evidence necessary for making the case.

Speak to a Jacksonville Car Accident Attorney Today

When a defective car accident takes place, victims that have knowledgeable legal counsel by their side will increase the chances of filing a successful claim for the most compensation possible. Filing a suit against the manufacturer of a car after a defective design or component installation problem can be highly complicated. Because of the intricacy that comes with product liability cases, there are many aspects of a suit that must be addressed properly.

If you or a loved one was injured from a defective car in Jacksonville, or if you lost a loved one in one of these tragic situations, please call the Jacksonville car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates today. You can schedule a free consultation by calling  904-647-2296.