Vehicle Defect and Accident Injuries Lawyers

If you sustained an injury in an accident due to a defective vehicle or part, contact Wallace Miller immediately. We could help you hold the negligent party liable for the crash. You might be entitled to financial compensation for your injury and resulting expenses.

Whether you drive a passenger car, commercial truck, motorcycle, or another motor vehicle, you depend on it to get you to your destination safely. Manufacturers are supposed to supply consumers with cars and parts that meet quality and safety standards. Knowingly providing defective parts or failing to include warnings about the possible risks puts people in danger. Severe injuries can occur when defects cause a brake, steering column, or airbag to malfunction.

At Wallace Miller, we understand the trauma of getting hurt in a car accident. You have no control over what your vehicle does if a part contains a design flaw or manufacturing defect that prevents it from working as intended. The manufacturer should be liable for the crash if their actions contributed to the defective product.

Multiple parties could be at fault for a defective motor vehicle. Our vehicle defect and accident injuries lawyers are ready to represent you in your case against the negligent manufacturer or employee. We can investigate the crash to determine who was at fault and obtain the available evidence to prove you deserve compensation for your injury. We will tirelessly work to meet your needs and try to reach the best possible outcome.

Call Wallace Miller at (312) 261-6193 today for your free consultation and learn more about your available legal options.

Common Types of Vehicle Defects

A range of different vehicle parts can contain defects. These defects can cause the vehicle to malfunction and injure the occupants during a crash. The three main types of defects include:

Design defect – A design defect occurs when there’s a flaw in the design that makes the product inherently unsafe.
Manufacturing defect – An error, mistake, or flaw during any part of the manufacturing process creates a dangerous product despite using a safe design.
Failure to warn – “Failure to warn” is a marketing defect. It refers to the manufacturer’s failure to provide adequate warning of its product’s risks or instructions on using the product correctly.

The most common defective parts include:

Roof or vehicle frame
Accelerator
Gear shift
Engine
Seatbelt
Emergency brake
Electrical wires and components
Steering system
Ignition switch
Lights
Gas tank and fuel system
Airbags
Tires and wheels
Braking system

Defective vehicles and parts end up on the market for a variety of reasons. Examples include:

Using an unsafe design on a seatbelt
Installing an engine on a vehicle with faulty parts
Damaging the brake pads during manufacturing
Discovering potential dangers during safety tests but choosing not to disclose them to consumers
Using cheap materials to construct a roof

If you suffered injuries in a car crash due to a defective vehicle or part someone else is responsible for creating, do not hesitate to contact Wallace Miller. Our vehicle defect and accident injuries lawyers are ready to advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who You Can Hold Liable for a Vehicle Defect

Investigating cases like this is often a challenge. In the immediate aftermath of the collision, it might not be immediately apparent who is at fault for a car crash. You might think another driver caused the accident, but someone else could have also contributed to what happened.

It’s critical to hire an experienced attorney from Wallace Miller after a motor vehicle accident. It is your best chance of reaching a favorable result in your case. If you don’t know state laws or how to locate valuable evidence, you will likely end up with a denied insurance claim or an insignificant settlement offer.

The most common parties at fault for vehicle and part defects include:

Another driver – Every car owner must maintain their vehicle properly. That means bringing it in for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure it’s running as it should. Making prompt repairs on any damage or replacing recalled parts is also necessary. If someone else caused the accident because they didn’t keep their car in good condition, you could file a claim with their auto insurance company for compensation.
Manufacturer – The manufacturer of vehicles and parts must provide products that meet all necessary standards. Quality and safety tests should show positive results to ensure consumers aren’t at risk of injury. The manufacturer could be liable if an accident results from a defective part or car they supplied.
Retailers – Retailers are also responsible for providing the public with quality parts and vehicles. Even though they’re not involved in manufacturing, they should ensure they sell safe products to their customers.
Shipping companies – Some companies transport cars from the manufacturer to the retailer. They must load, store, and ship the products carefully to avoid causing any damage. Parts could malfunction from the damage they sustain while being transported improperly.
Repair and maintenance companies – Businesses, such as auto repair shops, replace defective or recalled vehicle parts. Employees are responsible for detecting issues and addressing them immediately to prevent accidents. The company could be at fault if they ignore a problem they discover during maintenance or repair.

Various parties could be liable for injuries in an accident due to vehicle defects. Wallace Miller will review the circumstances of your case to determine who was at fault and pursue legal action on your behalf.

Compensation for Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Every state has different laws regarding liability for car accidents. The person or company you can hold liable depends on the unique circumstances of your case.

For example, if a truck driver is at fault for your injury, you could file a claim with the motor carrier’s liability insurance carrier. If a non-commercial driver causes a crash, you could file a liability claim with their auto insurer.

It’s vital to understand the different types of coverage available after a vehicle accident. Some states require liability coverage, while others don’t. Additionally, no-fault states don’t allow accident victims to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company unless they meet specific requirements.

Many companies carry commercial insurance policies with liability coverage. If a manufacturer or another party is responsible for the defective vehicle or part, you could file a claim with their insurance carrier.

The settlement you receive from a liability claim could compensate you for a variety of accident-related losses, such as:

Emotional distress
Out-of-pocket expenses
Medical bills
Disfigurement and scarring
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage

In a lawsuit against the negligent party, you might be able to recover punitive or exemplary damages. This form of compensation punishes the defendant for their misconduct. Every state is different, but each typically requires clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s actions or intent to receive this financial award.

Unfortunately, some accidents cause fatalities. If your family member died in a car crash, you could pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party. The laws regarding who can file a lawsuit differ from one state to another. Some states allow a surviving family member, such as a spouse or child, to initiate the lawsuit. Others only allow the personal representative or executor of the deceased’s estate to file.

The type of compensation you receive depends on the laws where you live but could compensate you for losses, such as:

The deceased’s final medical bills
Loss of consortium or companionship the deceased can no longer provide to a surviving spouse
Lost wages and benefits the deceased could have earned and left to surviving family if they had survived
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of instruction, guidance, love, and care provided to surviving children

Wallace Miller can determine the laws we must follow in your state to ensure we seek the maximum compensation available.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents

You must follow a strict timeframe after a motor vehicle accident if you want to sue someone for your injury. The statutes of limitations in each state differ but typically allow one to five years, depending on the state where you reside. You must file your lawsuit within that specific number of years from the crash date to pursue compensation.

For example, if the law in your state imposes a two-year statutory time period, you must initiate your lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. You will likely lose your right to pursue legal action against the at-fault party if the timeframe passes before you file.

Contact Us

At Wallace Miller, we understand how devastating it can be to get hurt in an accident someone else causes. You did not expect your day would end with a serious injury and a trip to the hospital. Fortunately, you have legal options to hold the at-fault party liable and secure the money owed to you for your injuries and losses.

Our vehicle defect and accident injuries lawyers will protect your rights during every step of your case and fight by your side for justice. You can count on us to remain in your corner and provide the legal guidance and representation you need. We will treat you as a priority until the end.

If you sustained injuries in a car accident due to a defective vehicle or part, call Wallace Miller at (312) 261-6193 for your free consultation right now.