Los Angeles Vehicle Defect Car Accident Attorney

A vehicle with a vehicle defect, causing a check engine light

While automobile safety has drastically improved, defective vehicles continue to cause car accidents. A vehicle defect is a frequently overlooked cause of motor vehicle accidents. Not only do defective vehicle parts cause car accidents in Los Angeles, but they can also lead to serious injuries or death.

You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by vehicle defects. The experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Saeedian Law Group are prepared to investigate your case to determine which defect or defects caused your accident. We’ll work diligently to develop an effective legal strategy to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact Saeedian Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation.

How A Vehicle Defect Can Cause Injuries in Los Angeles

Defective auto parts, vehicles, and equipment can cause injuries in two ways. The defect in the vehicle must be the cause of the accident. For example, a defective tire could blow out, a defect could cause a steering failure, or another defect could cause a person to lose control of the vehicle. Alternatively, a vehicle defect may cause more serious injuries during and immediately after an accident. An airbag could fail during the accident, causing serious head injuries. The vehicle could roll over during a collision, causing a fire or explosion. 

The NHTSA Database

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a database of all recalls due to auto defects issued for motor vehicles, car seats, and tires. Unfortunately, not all defects are reported to the NHTSA. If you’ve been injured, the database is an excellent starting place to determine whether a defect may have contributed to the car accident. The NHTSA may have ordered a recall of a part in your vehicle. If so, the auto manufacturer is legally required to recall the vehicle and notify lessees and owners in writing. 

Even if the defect hasn’t been reported, your accident may have still been caused by a faulty car or car part. Suppose any of the following situations occurred in your case. In that case, we recommend reaching out to an attorney who can help you conduct an independent investigation into the accident:

  • A minor collision caused a catastrophic injury or death
  • An occupant of the vehicle suffered catastrophic injuries, while others only suffered minor injuries
  • Severe damage occurred to only one area of the vehicle
  • Occupants wearing seat belts were thrown from the vehicle or seriously injured

Common Vehicle Defects That Can Cause Accidents

For victims of accidents cause by a defective vehicle, it’s crucial to consider how and why the accident occurred. You may think the accident was random or caused by bad luck, but there may be more to the accident. Accidents can occur because of a defective parts manufacturer, mechanic, or any other negligent or careless party, putting you in a dangerous situation. Some of the most common causes of vehicle defects include the following:

  • Seat belts that unexpectedly fail
  • Windshield wiper assemblies that malfunction or fail to operate properly
  • Steering components that fail and cause loss of vehicle control
  • Accelerator control that sticks or breaks
  • Defective fuel system components that are susceptible to leaking and causing fires
  • Electrical system problems resulting in loss of lighting or fires
  • Airbags that deploy when they shouldn’t and cause injuries to occupants
  • Sunroofs that become loose and collide with another vehicle
  • Tires or other components that break or crack, resulting in loss of vehicle control
  • Defective brakes lead to collisions

Proving Liability in Auto Defect Cases

Under California law, automobile manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure that the products they provide consumers are safe. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers also have a legal duty to warn consumers of any dangers when they are discovered promptly. When they fail to meet these legal obligations, injured passengers and drivers can recover damages through a product liability lawsuit, which is a type of personal injury lawsuit. Depending on the facts in your case, several different parties may be liable for your injuries, such as:

  • The automobile manufacturer
  • The company that distributed the vehicle
  • The auto dealer or retailer
  • The parts manufacturer

Holding Vehicle Defect Manufacturers Accountable in Los Angeles

The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group have decades of experience handling a wide range of product liability cases. We’ve successfully handled all types of car accident claims and have a proven track record of helping injured parties obtain the just compensation they deserve. Auto defect claims can be complex because determining liability can be challenging. 

When you work with our attorneys, we will immediately investigate your case to gather evidence and determine which party or parties can be held liable. We have the skills and professional network to hold automobile manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for the injuries caused by their negligence. We’ll determine whether a recall was involved and work with accident reconstruction specialists.

Compensation Available in Product Liability Claims

If you’ve been in a car accident resulting from a defective vehicle or vehicle part, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss and/or injuries incurred. By pursuing a successful vehicle products liability claim, you may be able to recover the economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include damages for past and future medical expenses to treat injuries related to the accident. 

You can also pursue past and future lost wages for any time you missed at work while healing from your injuries. If you cannot return to work because of your injury, you can pursue compensation for reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages include damages for loss of consortium and pain and suffering. Under specific circumstances, you may be able to obtain additional punitive damages. 

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Los Angeles Product Liability Attorney

The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group will work tirelessly to seek compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other losses. We’re dedicated to holding all negligent parties accountable for the vehicle defect that caused your injuries. Contact the skilled Los Angeles car accident attorneys at Saeedian Law Group today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about how we can advocate for you.