Car accidents are often linked to driver error or road conditions, but sometimes the vehicle itself is to blame. Defective parts or systems in a car can lead to serious injuries, even when the driver does everything right.
Understanding what defects are most dangerous, how they happen and who may be responsible can help you make sense of what went wrong.
Common types of car defects
Some defects are more likely to cause harm than others. These include:
- Faulty brakes that fail to respond or slow the vehicle
- Airbags that don’t deploy or deploy at the wrong time
- Steering system issues that make it hard to control the car
- Tire defects that lead to sudden blowouts
- Electrical problems that affect lighting or ignition
These problems can cause crashes, make accidents worse or prevent safety systems from working properly.
Car defects usually stem from one of two main problems. First, a vehicle may be poorly designed, meaning the part was unsafe from the start. Second, a part may have been damaged or improperly assembled during manufacturing. In other cases, defects happen later because of substandard repairs or low-quality aftermarket parts.
Can you claim compensation?
Injuries caused by defective cars may qualify for compensation under product liability laws. These apply when a product is unsafe due to design flaws, manufacturing errors or a failure to warn users. Depending on the facts, multiple parties might be responsible. These can include the car manufacturer, the maker of the faulty part, a dealership or even a repair shop.
When a defect plays a role in a crash, identifying the source of the issue is key. This can help determine who should be held accountable for the injuries