Most people assume car accidents result from driver error, but sometimes the vehicle itself is to blame. When a defective part or design flaw causes an accident, the manufacturer may be liable for resulting injuries. Understanding how auto defect cases work can help you recognize when a car company should be held accountable for harm caused by their product.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a vehicle defect, Hollis Law Firm can help you pursue compensation. Our attorney serves clients throughout Kansas and Missouri, investigating complex product liability claims to determine whether a manufacturer should be held responsible. We understand the legal processes involved in these cases and work to protect your rights when corporate negligence leads to serious injuries.
What Qualifies as an Auto Defect?
Auto defects fall into three main categories. Design defects occur when a vehicle’s blueprint contains an inherent flaw that makes it dangerous, even when manufactured correctly. Manufacturing defects happen during production when something goes wrong in the assembly process, affecting specific vehicles rather than an entire model line. Marketing defects involve inadequate warnings or instructions about known dangers associated with a vehicle or its components.
Common examples include faulty brakes that fail without warning, airbags that deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy during collisions, defective seatbelts that don’t properly restrain occupants, steering systems that malfunction, accelerators that stick, and tire defects that cause blowouts. Electronic systems can also fail, leading to loss of vehicle control. When these defects cause accidents, injured parties may have grounds to file claims against the manufacturer.
How These Cases Differ From Typical Accident Claims
Auto defect cases operate under product liability law rather than standard negligence principles. You don’t need to prove the manufacturer was careless. Instead, you must demonstrate that a defect existed, the defect made the vehicle unreasonably dangerous, and the defect directly caused your injuries. This shifts the legal focus from driver behavior to product safety.
These cases often involve multiple defendants. You might file claims against the vehicle manufacturer, the company that produced a specific component, the dealership that sold the vehicle, or the repair shop that performed recent maintenance. Determining which parties bear responsibility requires thorough investigation into the supply chain and maintenance history.
Building a Strong Auto Defect Case
Evidence collection becomes crucial in these claims. Preserve the vehicle in its post-accident condition whenever possible, as inspection by qualified experts often reveals critical information about what went wrong. Maintenance records, recall notices, and similar complaints from other drivers strengthen your case by establishing patterns of known problems.
Expert testimony plays a vital role in auto defect litigation. Automotive engineers, accident reconstructionists, and industry specialists analyze the vehicle to identify defects and explain how they caused the accident. These professionals provide opinions that help establish the connection between the defect and your injuries.
Time Limits and Legal Considerations
Kansas follows a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those involving auto defects. Missouri provides five years for product liability claims. These deadlines mean you must act relatively quickly to preserve your right to compensation. Waiting too long can result in losing your opportunity to file a claim, regardless of how strong your case may be.
The discovery rule can extend these deadlines in certain situations. If you couldn’t reasonably have known about the defect immediately after the accident, the time limit might begin when you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, relying on this exception involves complex legal arguments that require professional guidance.
Contact Hollis Law Firm Today
Auto defect cases require specialized knowledge of product liability law and access to qualified experts who can analyze technical evidence. When manufacturer negligence causes serious injuries, you deserve compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Hollis Law Firm, our attorney has the resources to investigate complex auto defect claims and hold manufacturers accountable for dangerous products. We serve clients throughout Kansas and Missouri, helping injured individuals pursue justice when corporate decisions prioritize profits over safety. Contact us today to discuss your case during a consultation.
