Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry know no one buys a vehicle in Georgia anticipating that a defect will lead to or exacerbate a crash that results in catastrophic injuries or the loss of life. Unfortunately, it happens more often than most think.
Defective auto parts pose significant risks to driver and passenger safety, with potential hazards ranging from increased crash risk to severe injuries and fatalities. Addressing potential defects through recalls, regular vehicle maintenance, and staying informed about possible issues is crucial for road safety. Tragically, many recalls are not issued until it is too late.
Here, we discuss the top five common defective auto parts and the risks they pose to drivers in Georgia and nationwide.
Defective Auto Parts, Risk One: Airbags
Defective airbags can fail to deploy during a crash or deploy unexpectedly, causing severe injuries or fatalities. In some cases, faulty airbags may deploy with excessive force or release metal shrapnel, leading to severe lacerations, eye injuries, and even death.
Potential Hazards: Increased risk of injury or death in accidents, unintended deployment causing crashes, and long-term health complications from shrapnel injuries.
Defective Auto Parts, Risk Two: Brakes
Defective brake systems can lead to brake failure, reducing the vehicle’s stopping power and increasing the likelihood of collisions. Common issues include brake fluid leaks, worn brake pads, and faulty anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
Potential Hazards: Increased stopping distances, loss of vehicle control, rear-end collisions, and high-speed crashes, all of which can cause serious injuries or fatalities.
Defective Auto Parts, Risk Three: Tires
Defective tires can suffer from tread separation, blowouts, or sidewall failures, leading to loss of control and accidents. Manufacturing errors, poor design, or substandard materials often cause tire defects.
Potential Hazards: Vehicle rollovers, loss of control at high speeds, accidents caused by sudden tire blowouts, and increased risk of severe injuries or fatalities.
Defective Auto Parts, Risk Four: Ignition Switches
Faulty ignition switches can cause the vehicle to stall unexpectedly while driving, turning off power steering, brakes, and airbags. This defect can occur due to poor design, wear and tear, or manufacturing flaws.
Potential Hazards: Loss of vehicle control, increased risk of collisions due to stalling, and failure of crucial safety systems like airbags during accidents, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
Defective Auto Parts, Risk Five: Fuel Systems
Defective fuel systems can lead to leaks, increasing the risk of fires and explosions. Common issues include faulty fuel pumps, leaky fuel lines, and defective fuel tanks.
Potential Hazards: Vehicle fires, explosions, severe burns, inhalation injuries, and increased risk of fatalities in the event of a crash involving a fuel leak.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Georgia vehicle incident caused by defective auto parts, contact our skilled Atlanta auto collision lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This initial step will ensure your rights are protected and enable you to make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.