When automobiles are poorly designed or manufactured in such a way that they can cause unreasonable harm to consumers, they are said to be defective. Similarly, auto parts, such as airbags and seatbelts, are defective when they fail to do what they are supposed to—keep passengers safe. Manufacturers involved in creating automobiles and auto parts—from initial design to manufacturing to sale and distribution—are required by law to produce well-designed, reasonably safe vehicles and auto features.

Manufacturers are strictly liable for injuries caused by their defective products. However, many manufacturers contribute to the ultimate production of a vehicle. Thus, you may be entitled to recover compensation from multiple manufacturers, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case.

Some of the most common auto defects and recalls involve SUVs and pickup trucks that are prone to rolling over, defective tires, faulty airbags, seatbelt failure, defective door latches, and improper fuel tank placement leading to post-collision fires. At The Ammons Law Firm, we represent victims of all types of auto defects and have extensive experience in this niche area of law.

Auto defect cases are complex. First, even proving that an auto defect caused an accident is difficult and requires an exhaustive investigation. Second, taking on large auto manufacturers and their legal teams is no easy feat. Auto defect litigation is largely considered one of the most complex areas of personal injury law and requires the assistance of trained experts in various disciplines of science, along with attorneys that understand the law.

Millions of vehicles across the world were equipped with defective Takata airbags. As a result of the defect, Takata airbags may rupture during deployment and shoot metal shrapnel throughout the vehicle, causing serious injury or death to innocent motorists.

Takata, the auto manufacturer, and possibly a service center, are liable for injuries caused by defective Takata airbags. Injuries caused by defective Takata airbags continue to occur across the country. Depending on your situation, the Takata trust, the manufacturer of the vehicle, or a service center that had a duty to repair the defective airbag, may be responsible for your harm. Consulting a trained attorney can help you determine exactly who is responsible and how to recover the compensation you deserve.

Product liability is a cause of action that provides injured consumers a right to sue manufacturers for injuries caused by a defective product. Since an automobile is a product, auto defect litigation falls under product liability litigation. If you have suffered injuries in an auto accident caused by a defect in the vehicle, the personal injury claim brought on your behalf will likely be brought under the law of product liability.

Negligence and product liability are both causes of actions that provide an injured victim a right to recover compensation from a wrongdoer for their harm. The difference between the two theories is the focus of the claim. Under negligence, the focus of the claim is on the conduct of the defendant and asks whether the injury-causing actions were reasonable considering the circumstances. Under product liability, the focus of the claim is on the product and asks whether the injury-causing product was defective. If the product proves defective, the defendant’s conduct is irrelevant because the defendant must produce safe products.

A product is defective if it is unreasonably dangerous for its intended purpose. While this is a generic definition subject to legal nuance, the concept captures the law’s intended purpose–protect innocent consumers from harm.

Yes, as an injured consumer, you can prove a manufacturer is liable for your injuries through both a product liability and a negligence cause of action. Either action is sufficient to subject the manufacturer to financial liability, and a plaintiff may be able to prove one cause of action but not the other. Trained lawyers can determine what cause of action will likely support the best opportunity to recover damages from the manufacturer for your injuries.