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Vehicle Defect Lawsuits: Airbags, Treads, Fuel Systems & More
Modern vehicles are designed to protect drivers and passengers. From airbags and seatbelts to braking systems and crash-avoidance technology, safety is supposed to be built into every car, truck, and SUV. But when a vehicle defect goes unnoticed or is ignored by manufacturers, the consequences can be devastating.
Across the United States, thousands of people are injured each year due to defective vehicle components, including airbags that fail to deploy, tires that suddenly separate, and fuel systems that ignite or leak. These injuries often occur without warning and can turn an otherwise survivable crash into a catastrophic event.
If you or someone you love was injured due to a defective vehicle or auto part, you may have the right to pursue a vehicle defect lawsuit. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin represents individuals harmed by dangerous or defective products, including cars and auto components, and helps them seek accountability through product liability claims.
What Is a Vehicle Defect Lawsuit?
A vehicle defect lawsuit is a type of product liability claim. It alleges that a vehicle, or one of its components, was unsafe due to a defect and caused injury or death.
These cases are typically brought against:
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Auto part manufacturers
- Designers or engineers
- Distributors or suppliers
- In some cases, dealerships or repair facilities
Vehicle defect claims do not always require proving that the manufacturer intended to cause harm – only that the product was unreasonably dangerous when used as intended or in a foreseeable way.
Common Types of Vehicle Defects
Vehicle defects can involve nearly any system in a car. Some of the most common categories include the following.
Defective Airbags
Airbags are meant to protect occupants in a crash, but when they malfunction, they can cause severe or fatal injuries.
Airbag defects may involve:
- Failure to deploy during a crash
- Unexpected deployment without a collision
- Over-aggressive deployment, causing blunt force injuries
- Metal fragments or shrapnel released during deployment
Defective airbags have been linked to:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Facial fractures
- Eye injuries or blindness
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Fatal internal injuries
In many cases, injured drivers later discover the vehicle was subject to a recall or that the manufacturer had prior knowledge of airbag defects. Our Florida airbag injury lawyers can pursue an automotive product liability lawsuit if you were hurt because of a defective airbag.
Tire Tread Separation and Blowouts
Tires are critical to vehicle stability. When tire treads separate or a tire fails at highway speeds, drivers may lose control in seconds.
Tire-related defects often include:
- Tread separation due to poor bonding
- Defective rubber compounds
- Sidewall failures
- Manufacturing inconsistencies
Tire defects can lead to:
- Rollovers
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Serious injuries or fatalities
Tread separation cases are especially dangerous because they often occur without impact from another vehicle.
Fuel System Defects and Vehicle Fires
Fuel system defects are among the most dangerous vehicle failures because they can result in fires or explosions, even after low-speed crashes.
Common fuel system defects include:
- Fuel tank placement vulnerabilities
- Leaking fuel lines
- Faulty fuel pumps or injectors
- Electrical defects triggering ignition
Injuries from fuel system failures may involve:
- Severe burns
- Smoke inhalation
- Permanent scarring
- Fatal injuries
In some cases, victims are trapped inside vehicles that ignite, making escape impossible.
Brake and Steering Defects
Brakes and steering systems must respond instantly. When they fail, drivers may have no ability to avoid a collision.
Brake-related defects may involve:
- Brake failure or delayed response
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunctions
- Brake fluid leaks
Steering defects may include:
- Sudden loss of steering control
- Power steering failure
- Lock-ups during turns
These failures often result in high-impact crashes with little warning.
Other Common Vehicle Defects
Additional vehicle defects that frequently lead to lawsuits include:
- Seatbelt failures
- Roof crush defects in rollovers
- Defective door latches that open during crashes
- Electronic stability control malfunctions
- Battery defects in electric or hybrid vehicles
Each of these defects can significantly increase the severity of injuries during an accident.
How Vehicle Defect Lawsuits Work
Vehicle defect cases typically fall under product liability law, which may involve one or more legal theories:
Design Defects
The vehicle or component was dangerous due to its design, even when manufactured correctly.
Manufacturing Defects
The design was safe, but the product became dangerous due to an error during manufacturing.
Failure to Warn
The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions about known risks.
An injured person does always not need to prove negligence in the traditional sense – only that the defect existed and caused harm.
Example of a Vehicle Defect Injury Case
A driver in Florida was involved in a moderate rear-end collision. The impact should not have caused serious injuries, but the vehicle’s airbags deployed and shot metal fragments out of the airbag. As a result, the driver suffered head and chest injuries that required hospitalization.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle model had a history of airbag deployment issues, and complaints had been filed before the crash. The injured driver pursued a vehicle defect lawsuit against the manufacturer, alleging a defective airbag system and failure to warn consumers.
Cases like this demonstrate how vehicle defects can turn otherwise survivable accidents into life-altering events.
What To Do If You Suspect a Vehicle Defect
If you believe a vehicle defect caused or worsened your injuries, consider taking these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately
Your health comes first, and medical records are crucial evidence. - Preserve the vehicle
Do not repair, alter, or dispose of the vehicle if possible. - Document everything
Take photos, save repair records, and keep recall notices. - Avoid speaking with manufacturers or insurers alone
Statements may be used to limit liability. - Contact a vehicle defect lawyer
A product liability attorney can help preserve evidence and investigate the defect.
Compensation in Vehicle Defect Lawsuits
Victims of vehicle defects may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving families
In some cases, punitive damages may be available if the manufacturer knowingly ignored safety risks.
Why Vehicle Defect Cases Are Complex
Vehicle defect lawsuits often involve:
- Large manufacturers and insurers
- Engineering and technical evidence
- Expert testimony
- Federal safety standards and recalls
These cases require careful investigation and experience handling complex product liability claims.
The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has experience evaluating defective product cases and working with professionals who can analyze vehicle systems, crash data, and manufacturing records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to prove the manufacturer was negligent?
Not necessarily. Product liability cases often focus on whether the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous.
What if my vehicle was recalled after the accident?
You may still have a claim. In some cases, recalls support evidence that a defect existed.
Can I file a claim if another driver caused the crash?
Yes. A vehicle defect claim may exist in addition to a standard auto accident claim.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Time limits vary by state. In Florida, product liability claims often have strict deadlines, so speaking with a lawyer quickly is important.
Does it cost anything to speak with a lawyer?
No. Our firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis.
Get Help After a Vehicle Defect Injury
Vehicle manufacturers have a responsibility to put safe products on the road. When they fail, injured consumers deserve answers, accountability, and support.
If you or a loved one was injured due to a defective vehicle, airbag, tire, fuel system, or other auto component, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help you understand your legal options.
📞 Call (800) 337-7755 or visit www.VictimAid.com for a free consultation.