Honest Austin Defective Vehicle Attorneys, Texas
Representation for Texans injured by defective auto parts
When you or a loved one suffer serious injury in a car wreck, one of the most important parts of the legal process is holding the right party accountable. In many cases, this is another driver. However, in a significant amount of claims, drivers experience injury from defective vehicles, whether their own or another driver’s. When a vehicle part malfunctions – like the brakes, airbags, or tires – the risk of accidents and injuries skyrockets.
The Austin injury attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger understand the difference between holding an at-fault driver responsible and going up against a powerful car manufacturer. Automakers often have an army of lawyers and insurance companies on their side in the event of a legal dispute, and you should too. With nearly 30 years of experience serving the good people of Texas, we’re not afraid to take on negligent parts manufacturers. Talk to us today to find out if you are eligible for financial compensation for your injuries.
How often are vehicles and parts recalled?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a vehicle is recalled “when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards.”
They define a safety defect as an issue in either the vehicle or equipment in the vehicle (like a part) that “poses a risk to motor vehicle safety, and may exist in a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture, or items of equipment of the same type and manufacture.”
Industry professionals Stout analyzes and publishes annual trends regarding automotive defects and recalls. They gather this data using sources like the NHTSA, the Department of Transportation (DOT), multiple U.S. jurisdictions, international recall databases, and financial reports.
Their most recent 2020 report notes that light vehicle recalls reached record levels in 2019. The same year also saw 317 recall campaigns involving over 28 million vehicles, which was a 50 percent increase from 2018. Fifteen million of these vehicles were recalled for electronic component and software-based defects.
The defective vehicle attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger in Austin handle a wide variety of these types of cases. We can help if you or a loved one suffered serious injury due to a defective car part.
What are some examples of defective auto parts?
With decades of experience in car accidents and personal injury, our attorneys have handled all types of recall cases and secured successful settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. We know how to hold automotive companies and car manufacturers accountable when their negligent actions cause injuries and, in the most tragic cases, the death of your loved one.
Air bag defects, which have been in the news over the past few years due to the Takata recall. Malfunctioning air bags may fail to deploy, deploy without warning, deploy with too much force, or otherwise cause injury to drivers and passengers.
Defective tires, including tread separations, blowouts, sidewall zipper failure, and bead fracture. When a tire malfunctions at high speed, or even at any speed, a driver can lose control of their vehicle and cause a serious crash.
Brake failure, caused by defective rotors, pads, or other parts. Drivers may also experience brake failure accidents after negligent service or maintenance, when a dealership or repair shop uses substandard parts.
Defective seatbelts, including unlatching during impact, accidental release, false latching, and webbing failure. Seatbelts are one of the important safety protections vehicle occupants have, and if one fails, the results can be catastrophic.
Impact protection failure, which means roofs, doors, or sunroofs. When these components collapse, cave in, or otherwise fail during a collision, occupants will likely suffer serious or fatal injury.
Things that don’t constitute a recall? Issues like faulty air conditioning or bad paint jobs – these types of issues might fall under other legal remedies but aren’t considered safety issues by the NHTSA.
When an auto manufacturer or the NHTSA determines a vehicle is unsafe or has a defective part, they initiate a recall. Companies have a responsibility to manufacture and sell safe vehicles to consumers, and when they don’t, they must right that wrong as soon as possible.
How do I find out if my car was recalled?
Generally, automakers initiate recalls once alerted of an issue through internal investigations, complaints from drivers and dealers, increased amounts of warranty claims, or even media attention. In some cases, the NHTSA will initiate the recall themselves if the manufacturer does not company with a request.
In fact, says Consumer Reports, “If a manufacturer knows one of its vehicles has a safety defect and it doesn't report the issue to the government in a timely manner, or portrays something as a minor issue when the company knows it’s really a safety defect, then the manufacturer is breaking the law.”
In the event of a recall, manufacturers must notify all owners via email with an official announcement, explaining the defect and potential safety hazards. The NHTSA also offers a recall app to help avoid possible mail delays, as well as their traditional vehicle recall website where you can search by VIN. Your automaker will let you know if you should still operate your vehicle and what next steps to take.
Any remedies and repairs for recalled vehicles should be free of charge.
Who is liable if I’m injured due to a defective vehicle part?
When we take your case, the Austin attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger get to work investigating the cause of your accident – who or what was at fault, and who should be held accountable for your injuries and losses. When it comes to defective vehicle parties, a number of parties may be liable.
Every party who plays a role in the development and manufacture of a vehicle and its parts could be responsible for a defect. This could include the manufacturer, parts supplier, auto dealer, or repair shop. Determining the liable party can be a complex undertaking, as each will likely attempt to dodge responsibility. Our legal team works to discover where in the process the defect occurred – whether in the initial design stage, in the factory build, or on the dealer’s lot.
What is my Austin defective vehicle claim worth?
When a defective vehicle or auto part causes you harm and injury, you have the right to seek financial compensation from the negligent party. The lawyers at Slack Davis Sanger work to determine both the extent of your injuries and losses, as well as the extent of negligence and recklessness of the liable party.
We put our three decades of experience to work for you, fighting for the compensation you deserve. Every one of our clients and cases are unique, as is the value of every case. However, when you are harmed by another’s negligence, you are eligible for compensation for current and future medical bills, loss of wages and future earning ability, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to your accident and injuries.
The majority of the time, when there’s one defective vehicle part, there are hundreds more. Holding auto manufacturers accountable for their mistakes and negligence helps make sweeping changes across the industry that keeps everyone safer. Slack Davis Sanger has the resources to take these companies on and win.
Honest, experienced Austin defective vehicle lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered serious injury in an accident caused by a defective vehicle, talk to the attorneys at Slack Davis Sanger today. Our familiarity with the auto industry and product liability makes us a smart choice when you need legal help with an injury claim. We can help. To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Austin, Dallas, or Fort Worth, please call 800-455-8686 or fill out our contact form.
Austin Office
6001 Bold Ruler Way
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78746
Main Austin Practice Areas