Injured by a Defective Vehicle? We’re Ready to Investigate.
A vehicle should help protect you in a crash—not make the consequences worse. When a defective car or a faulty vehicle component contributes to an accident, the manufacturer or another responsible company may be liable for the resulting injuries. An experienced auto defect accident attorney can help determine what went wrong and pursue compensation from every responsible party.
A Thorough Investigation Can Make All the Difference
Auto defect claims are often more complicated than standard car accident cases. They may involve defective parts, engineering failures, or manufacturing errors that are not immediately apparent after a collision. Our attorneys know what evidence to look for and how to build a strong claim.
When you choose Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C., we will:
- Investigate whether a vehicle defect contributed to your accident or injuries.
- Work to preserve critical evidence before it is lost or altered.
- Identify every party that may be legally responsible.
- Consult with accident reconstruction and engineering professionals when appropriate.
- Handle negotiations with manufacturers and insurance companies.
- Fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
We understand the challenges these cases present, and we are here to guide you through every stage of the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is an Auto Defect?
An auto defect is a problem with a vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or safety features that makes it more dangerous than it should be. Unlike issues caused by age or routine maintenance, a defect exists because something about the vehicle or one of its components was unsafe from the beginning.
In many cases, drivers have no way of knowing a defect exists until it causes—or contributes to—a serious accident.
Common Vehicle Defects That Can Cause Serious Accidents
Vehicle defects can affect nearly every major system in a car, truck, or SUV. Some defects increase the likelihood of a collision, while others make injuries more severe when an accident occurs.
Common examples include:
- Brake system failures
- Steering defects
- Tire blowouts and tread separation
- Airbags that fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly
- Defective seat belts
- Fuel system defects that lead to fires
- Accelerator or throttle malfunctions
- Transmission failures
- Electrical system failures
- Defective door latches
- Roof crush defects during rollover accidents
- Malfunctions involving advanced driver assistance technology
If you suspect a vehicle defect contributed to your accident, preserving the vehicle and seeking legal guidance as soon as possible can be critical.
Who May Be Responsible for a Defective Vehicle?
Responsibility for an auto defect does not always rest with one company. Depending on how the defect occurred, several parties may share liability.
Potentially responsible parties include:
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Parts and component manufacturers
- Suppliers and distributors
- Dealerships in certain situations
- Repair facilities that performed negligent work
Our legal team investigates every aspect of the case to determine who should be held accountable.
Building a Strong Auto Defect Claim
Unlike many car accident claims, auto defect cases often require detailed technical evidence. The condition of the vehicle itself may become one of the most important pieces of evidence.
Our investigation may include reviewing:
- The damaged vehicle
- Event data recorder (“black box”) information
- Repair and maintenance records
- Recall information
- Inspection reports
- Crash scene evidence
- Engineering analyses
- Accident reconstruction findings
Taking prompt action can help preserve this evidence before it is repaired, discarded, or lost.
Compensation for Injuries Caused by Auto Defects
If a defective vehicle contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the impact the accident has had on your life.
Depending on your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages in eligible cases
Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under New York law.
Talk to Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C. About Your Case
If you were injured in an accident involving a suspected vehicle defect, Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C. is ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations, and there is never a fee until we recover for you. Connect with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered an auto defect?
An auto defect is a problem in a vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or safety warnings that makes the vehicle unreasonably dangerous when used as intended.
Can I have a claim if another driver also caused the accident?
Yes. More than one party can be responsible for the same accident. If a vehicle defect contributed to your injuries, you may have a claim against the manufacturer in addition to a claim against the negligent driver.
Does a recall automatically mean the manufacturer is liable?
Not always. A recall may support your claim, but you must still show that the defect contributed to your accident or injuries.
How long do I have to file an auto defect lawsuit in New York?
The filing deadline depends on the circumstances of your case. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help preserve important evidence and protect your right to pursue compensation.
