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In most car accidents, negligence on the part of a driver is to blame. But sometimes, the car itself is the cause of the accident. If you have been in an accident where you believe the vehicle was at fault, you may be wondering who can be held liable and how you can receive compensation for your injuries. Here's what you need to know.
When a Car is Responsible for an Accident
There are a few different ways that a car can cause an accident without any driver error involved. One common scenario is when a mechanical failure results in the loss of control of the vehicle. This can happen when:
- Brakes fail
- Tires blow out or
- Steering components malfunction.
Who Can Be Liable?
Product liability is the legal liability of a manufacturer or distributor of a defective product that causes injury to a consumer. In the context of car accidents, product liability may come into play if a defective car part caused the accident. Regarding car accidents, common liable parties include:
- Car manufacturers
- Car dealerships
- Mechanics or auto body shops
Car Manufacturers
In some cases, car manufacturers may be held liable for accidents that occur due to faulty equipment or design defects. For example, if a car's brakes fail to work properly, the manufacturer may be held responsible if the driver is involved in an accident. Similarly, the manufacturer may be liable for any resulting damages if a car's engine catches fire due to a design defect.
Car Dealerships
If a dealership sells a car that is defective and that defect causes an accident, the dealership can be held liable. If a dealer fails to disclose a known defect, the dealership can also be held liable.
Mechanics or Auto Body Shops
Mechanics and auto body shops can be held liable for car accidents in several ways. One way is if they fail to properly repair a vehicle, and the faulty repair results in an accident. For example, if a mechanic improperly installs brakes and the brakes fail to work properly, leading to an accident, the mechanic could be held liable.
Receiving Compensation For Your Injuries
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a defective car, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your case and advise you on whether you have grounds to file a lawsuit against one or more parties.
Contact us today at (405) 433-7414 or fill out our form online to learn more about how we can help you.