Alabama Defective Automobiles | Belt, Bruner & Barnett P.C.

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Alabama Defective Automobiles

When vehicle makers and dealers sell cars or trucks with flawed designs or defective parts, those defects can lead to accidents that result in horrific injuries and fatalities. The manufacturers can and should be held responsible for the harm caused. Following a serious car accident, the process of seeking compensation can seem daunting, but the Alabama auto defects lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. have the knowledge and experience to help.

Some of the most serious car crashes in Alabama and across the U.S. are caused by faulty auto parts and automotive defects. Even the best driver can be blindsided when, out of nowhere, a part fails out on the road where they can do nothing about it. Simply put, automotive manufacturers have a responsibility to produce safe products.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a tire or auto defect, you deserve to be compensated for your physical, emotional and financial losses. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for personal injury and wrongful death victims across Alabama.

We are available to evaluate your case free of charge. To learn more, call us today at 205-933-1500 or use our contact form.

Types of Tire and Auto Defects Responsible for Alabama Car Accidents

Today’s automobiles and pickup trucks are complicated machines. They feature thousands of small component parts. Even a minor defect in a tiny component can render the car unsafe. Some common auto defects include:

  • Defective tires – tread separation, tire blowouts, and rollover accidents can result from defectively designed or manufactured tires
  • Brake failures – spontaneous brake failure makes it impossible for a driver to stop a moving car
  • Axle failures – when an axle breaks, the car’s driver may lose control of the car
  • Steering mechanism failures – a steering mechanism failure may make it impossible for a driver to steer the car
  • Seatbelt failures – a faulty seatbelt can cause a person to suffer far worse injuries in a minor collision than the person would have suffered otherwise
  • Airbag failures – car riders rely on airbags to protect them in crashes. If an airbag fails to deploy or deploys at the wrong time, serious injuries can occur
  • Weak roof supports–if cars with weak roof supports roll over, the roofs may cave in or pin the cars’ occupants

In a defective auto parts case, any party involved in the manufacture and sale of the defective vehicle or its component parts could potentially be held liable for a victim’s injuries. These parties include the vehicle’s designer, manufacturer, supplier and dealer.

In addition, it’s not only a question of passenger cars, as these parties are responsible for manufacturing and selling safe motorcycles, trucks, and vans. At Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. our experienced team of Alabama product liability lawyers investigates the facts of each case to determine who is liable for defective parts. Read on to find out how defective parts cause accidents.

The Danger of Defective Auto Parts

When auto manufacturers distribute parts that are faulty, they put at risk the lives of tens of thousands of drivers. Recently, several manufacturers have had to recall the dangerous parts they’ve distributed.

In May 2015, Takata recalled certain types of airbag inflators. Originally, the company issued a recall for vehicles in certain humid regions, but the recall was expanded to include around 42 million vehicles. Over time, moisture infiltrated the inflators, and that moisture altered the chemical structure of the propellant inside. That caused the propellant in these bags to ignite too quickly, causing the bags to rupture and send metal shards flying towards the driver and passengers. These defective airbags have been blamed for 11 deaths and approximately 180 injuries.

Steering defects also present a serious risk to drivers. In March 2015, Hyundai recalled 200,000 vehicles for problems with the power steering failing without warning. Then again in 2016, Hyundai recalled another 173,000 vehicles for similar problems. Since the driver would ordinarily be expecting power steering, its sudden loss could cause a crash.

In April 2015, Ford announced it would recall almost 593,000 vehicles in North America due to a similar problem with power steering. Ford only recalled vehicles in certain states, leaving some consumer groups to wonder how drivers in other states could be assured of their safety. A manufacturer can be held responsible for defective parts that cause harm.

Some older vehicles manufactured before 2007 are prone to brake pipe failures, which can also cause crashes. Especially in cold climates, consumers should monitor their brake systems for signs of corrosion, as it could cause the brakes to fail. If you see leaking brake fluid, the brake pedal feels soft, or you see rusting and scaling, be sure to have your brake system checked, as these could be warning signs of a brake pipe that could soon give out. The problem is due to the type of brake line coating that some manufacturers used to use, which has proven to break down easily.

Let Our Alabama Auto Defect Lawyers Help You

If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member in a car accident that you suspect was caused by a defective auto part, the Alabama personal injury lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. can review the specifics of the accident and discuss your legal options.

Product liability cases can become complicated, requiring expert testimony and a thorough, technical investigation into how the defective parts caused injury. Luckily, a product liability lawyer at our firm will know how to approach these types of cases.

We have many years of experience negotiating with insurance companies, and we are aggressive in advocating for our clients. We prepare each case thoroughly so we can deal from a position of strength. For an initial consultation free of charge, call our Alabama auto defect attorneys today at 205-933-1500 or click our contact form.

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