A modern automobile contains thousands of specialized parts to keep it operating smoothly and maximize passenger comfort and safety. With so many unique components in use simultaneously, it is hardly surprising that automobile defects are among the most common sources of product recalls in the United States each year.
Unfortunately, not every recall notice goes out in time to prevent people from suffering serious injuries. If you are the victim of this type of accident, you deserve civil restitution. Our product liability attorneys could help you pursue compensation by gathering evidence of liability to build a strong case for fair damages. A Galveston car defect injury lawyer from Schechter, Shaffer & Harris may provide invaluable guidance throughout your claim.
What Defects Are Vehicle Manufacturers Strictly Liable For?
Under product liability law, the three main types of faults that can lead to strict liability for injuries and subsequent damages are design, manufacturing, and marketing defects. To prove harm in a product liability claim for a defective vehicle, you must show that the car or a particular component had a fundamentally dangerous design flaw, which may be due to an incorrect assembly or production. You must also show that the manufacturer failed to provide sufficient warning about known hazards from normal use.
To bring a successful case, you will also need to establish that the defective product’s condition did not meaningfully change between when it left the manufacturer and when you took possession of it. Complying with these and other procedural requirements for your auto defect injury lawsuit is just one aspect of the legal process for which our Galveston attorneys could assist.
Filing a Suit Before or After a Recall Notice
When auto manufacturers discover a serious defect with a specific component, they often voluntarily issue recall notices to every consumer who purchased the affected product. In exchange for notifying owners of the fault and offering to repair or replace the product free of additional charge, the manufacturer may gain immunity from civil liability for resulting injuries.
However, this only applies if the injured person was aware of the recall at the time they sustained harm. If you suffered injuries due to a flaw in your vehicle that was not the subject to a recall until after your accident, a lawyer from our Galveston office may still help you file suit.
Contact an Auto Defect Injury Lawyer in Galveston For Guidance
Not all mechanical problems in a motor vehicle are valid grounds for a product liability claim, especially if the manufacturer warned you about the issue through a recall notice. However, if you suffered harm due to a vehicle fault and did not receive proper notification beforehand, the manufacturer may be strictly liable for damages you incurred from their unsafe product.
A Galveston car defect injury lawyer could provide the support you need to obtain compensation you deserve. Call Schechter, Shaffer & Harris today to discuss your recovery options with a personal injury lawyer.
