New York Automotive Defect Attorney
The personal injury lawyers at Dupée & Monroe, P.C. represent victims of defective auto part injuries and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Orange County, the Hudson Valley and New York City’s five boroughs. Our defective product attorneys understand the intricacies of defective automotive manufacturing claims; we know how to identify the signs of a defect-related accident, we know how to find the evidence needed to prove a defect existed, and we know how to apply the law to obtain compensation for injured parties and their families.
With years of experience handling auto accident and defective product claims, our attorneys have a deep knowledge of auto mechanics, common defects introduced in the design or manufacturing of automobiles, and effective settlement and trial strategies. The automotive defect lawyers at Dupée & Monroe are ready to help you and your family recover for the harm you have suffered as a result of dangerous vehicles being put on the streets of New York.
What is an Auto Defect?
An automotive defect is any defect in the design or manufacturing of a car that either puts drivers and passengers at risk or otherwise prevents the car owner from full enjoyment of the vehicle they purchased. Some defects can simply cause inconvenience–the air conditioner doesn’t work, the engine won’t start–while others can be actively dangerous. If you purchase a vehicle and drive it on the freeway only to later discover that the engine stalls unexpectedly in the middle of a drive, that the brakes do not function properly, or that the airbag does not deploy when the vehicle crashes, then your life, the lives of your passengers, and the lives of everyone else on the road may be at risk due to the dangerous defect.
Types of Product Defects
Defects can occur in the design of the vehicle or auto part, they can arise in the manufacturing process, or they can be caused by the company’s failure to warn customers about known dangers. A design defect occurs when the product as designed does not work properly; for example, if an airbag’s casing prevents it from fully deploying. Sometimes an error is introduced in the manufacturing process, such as when a particular auto manufacturing plant installs the parts incorrectly. A claim based on failure to warn occurs when the auto company does not inform customers about potential dangers, such as if an anti-lock brake system is not meant to be used on icy roads.
Common, Dangerous Automotive Defects
Automobiles are incredibly complex pieces of machinery made up of thousands of different parts. Automakers are responsible for ensuring that the vehicles are safe for drivers and other motorists as designed and that the parts are put together according to the specifications in the design. If anyone fails at their job at any point in the design or manufacturing process, a defective vehicle can quickly spell catastrophic danger for everyone on the road. There are hundreds of potential defects that can increase the risk of serious injury or fatality on the road.
Some types of auto defects are more common and more dangerous than others. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most serious auto defects include the following:
- Faulty airbags
- Defective seats and seatbacks
- Faulty fuel system components
- Defective accelerator controls
- Tire defects
- Windshield wiper malfunction
- Wheels at risk of cracking or breaking
- Engine cooling fan malfunctions
- Ineffective child safety features
- Issues with the wiring
Even within these categories, the precise nature of the defect can vary. Some engines are prone to stalling at inopportune moments, while others may spontaneously catch on fire due to issues with the wiring and fuel system.
Hold Careless Automakers Liable for Selling Defective Vehicles
Whatever the nature of your auto’s defect, if it leads to an accident or injury, you have the right to recover damages. Automakers have a responsibility to sell safe, usable vehicles to customers. Whether your vehicle failed at the worst time, leading to an accident or other incident, or you were injured by another driver operating a defective vehicle, you can hold the automaker accountable for putting you and everyone else in danger. We can help.
Get Help After a Defective Auto Accident
If you or a loved one were injured due to a defective car or auto part, you could be entitled to compensation for the harm which was inflicted on you. A defective automotive lawsuit will give you the means to get paid back for the medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost work you may have experienced. If you’ve been hurt by negligent automotive manufacturing, contact the personal injury and dangerous products attorneys at Dupée & Monroe for a consultation on your potential lawsuit at 845-294-8900.
