When a traffic accident occurs, the liable parties are usually the drivers involved. In some cases, however, the design or defective vehicle components in the car can cause the accident. If you have sustained injuries in an accident caused by your vehicle’s defective design or components, you can seek compensation.
Under Louisiana law, you have one year to file a personal injury claim against the liable party, according to Louisiana Civil Code (CC) Art 3492. After an accident, you will likely need to dedicate most of your time and energy you recovering. This is where having an Abbeville accident caused by defective design or manufacture of vehicles or vehicle components lawyer may help.
A lawyer will investigate and explore all possible causes of the accident, including any issues with the vehicle’s design and components. If the lawyer finds that the accident was due to defective design or manufacture of defective vehicle components, they will pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
An attorney will help you fight for your compensation, even if it means going to court. The litigation process may take some time, but having a lawyer by your side can help expedite the process to get you a fair settlement. Get in touch with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 and receive a free case evaluation.
When the Car Manufacturer Is Liable for an Accident
There have been many advances in science and technology that have brought great improvements to car designs. While these changes have generally made cars safer for drivers, mistakes still occur, which can lead to accidents.
The following are a few instances in which you may be able to hold the manufacturer liable for your injuries:
- The vehicle’s design caused a malfunction in your vehicle’s operation
- The manufacturer knowingly installed a defective component
- The manufacturer failed to announce a recall for a defective part after realizing the mistake
A collision does not have to occur for you to seek compensation. You may seek compensation from the vehicle’s manufacturer if the design or defective components put you at risk. For instance, if a defective airbag deploys at the wrong time and causes you harm, you can hold the manufacturer liable.
The manufacturer is liable if they install a defective component knowingly, even if a safer option is available. The manufacturer has a responsibility to ensure that the vehicle’s design and components are safe.
If the manufacturer realizes that they put drivers at risk and do not issue a recall immediately, they are liable. In this case, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the manufacturer. The manufacturer also bears liability if the vehicle’s design or defective component caused your injuries.
Collecting evidence that proves the manufacturer’s liability is not always straightforward. An Abbeville accident caused by defective design or manufacture of vehicles or vehicle components lawyer can conduct a thorough and in-depth investigation to gather the evidence you need. This may include obtaining a court order to get information about the vehicle’s design and components to help your case and fight for your compensation.
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Types of Manufacturer Defects
There are many different components involved in the design and manufacturing of a vehicle. Design defects occur in the conceptual stage of vehicle development, when designers are planning how to build the vehicle. The designers may select parts or materials that do not function well together when built, leading to vehicle malfunctions.
Manufacturing defects occur when the product is still in the factory. In the manufacturing stage, each part of a vehicle has the possibility of having a defect. The machines used to build vehicles may put the parts together incorrectly.
Any failure or mistake made while building a vehicle may put motorists at risk. Design defects may be difficult to detect, which is why the law requires manufacturers to test their vehicles before making them available to consumers. Some defects may still go unnoticed, however.
For instance, the brakes of a particular make and model of a car may fail only after reaching a certain speed. In such a case, the manufacturer should recall the product and address the issue, either by repairing or replacing the defective part.
Failure to include warning signs and labels on how certain components work also puts motorists at risk of harm. The manufacturer should specify how certain components work for safe operation.
The Louisiana Products Liability Act pertains to manufacturer liability in accidents caused by defective products. This law outlines the circumstances under which manufacturers are liable for the damage caused by their products. A lawyer can help you interpret this law and apply it to your case.
Get a free consultation when you contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777.
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How to Tell if the Manufacturer or Mechanic Is the Party at Fault
It can be difficult to tell whether the liable party in your case is the manufacturer or the mechanic who recently repaired the vehicle. In some cases, both parties may be liable.
For help determining the liable party after your accident, you can contact a lawyer. Your lawyer will investigate the cause of the accident, which may include evaluating the mechanic’s vehicle repair report and taking the vehicle to an expert for further investigation. This may help reveal who is the liable party between the manufacturer and the mechanic.
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Schedule a Free Consultation with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Cases involving defective designs or vehicle components can be complicated, making it hard for you to get the compensation you deserve. Hiring an Abbeville accident caused by defective design or manufacture of vehicles or vehicle components lawyer may simplify this process for you. A lawyer will prepare your case and use knowledge and experience from similar cases to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers by calling (337) 777-7777 today.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
