Defective vehicles pose significant risks on Georgia’s roads, contributing to crashes that often result in serious injuries or even fatalities. While most drivers trust their vehicles to operate safely, manufacturing defects, design flaws, and inadequate maintenance can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Victims of collisions caused by defective vehicles often face complex legal hurdles when seeking compensation. Understanding the most common types of defective vehicle claims in Georgia can help drivers recognize potential dangers and take the necessary steps to protect their rights if harmed. Here, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry explain.
What Is a Defective Vehicle Claim?
A defective vehicle claim arises when a flaw in a vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or maintenance contributes to or causes a collision. These claims fall under product liability law, which holds manufacturers, designers, and distributors accountable for ensuring their products are safe for consumers.
In Georgia, victims of defective vehicle-related crashes can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, successfully pursuing a claim often requires proving that the defect directly caused the collision or exacerbated the injuries.
Most Common Defective Vehicle Claims in Georgia
Defective vehicle claims encompass a range of issues.
Here are the most frequently encountered claims:
- Defective Brakes
Brake failures are one of the leading causes of defective vehicle claims.
Common issues include:
- Manufacturing defects.
- Design flaws that compromise stopping power.
- Improper installation during maintenance.
Defective brakes often lead to rear-end collisions, high-speed crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups, particularly on Atlanta’s congested highways.
- Tire Defects
Tire-related issues, such as blowouts, tread separations, or loss of traction, can cause dangerous wrecks.
Common defects include:
- Poor manufacturing, resulting in weak sidewalls.
- Rubber compound flaws that compromise durability.
- Selling tires past their safe shelf life.
Defective tires are particularly hazardous on Georgia’s wet or icy roads, where losing control can be fatal.
- Faulty Airbags
While airbags are crucial for safety, defects can make them dangerous.
Common problems include:
- Failure to deploy during a collision.
- Overly forceful deployment, causing injuries.
- Deployment at inappropriate times, such as when hitting a pothole.
Notable recalls, such as those involving Takata airbags, highlight the dangers defective airbags can pose.
- Steering System Failures
A defective steering system can prevent drivers from maintaining control of their vehicles.
Common issues include:
- Malfunctioning power steering.
- Steering systems locking during operation.
- Defects in electronic steering components.
Sudden loss of steering control can result in devastating crashes, especially on Georgia’s winding rural roads or Atlanta’s crowded urban streets.
- Defective Seatbelts
Seatbelt defects undermine the most fundamental safety feature in a vehicle.
Common issues include:
- Buckles that fail to latch or unlatch properly.
- Belts that tear under stress.
- Inertial locks fail to secure occupants during a collision.
In a crash, defective seatbelts significantly increase the risk of severe injuries.
- Defective Electrical Systems
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electrical systems for both operation and safety.
Common defects include:
- Fires caused by faulty wiring.
- Malfunctions in safety features like anti-lock brakes or traction control.
- Sudden engine shutdowns while driving.
Expert analysis is often required to determine how electrical failures contributed to a crash.
Challenges in Defective Vehicle Claims
Pursuing a defective vehicle claim in Georgia can be complex.
Victims must prove:
- The vehicle or one of its components was defective.
- The defect directly caused the crash or worsened the injuries.
- The vehicle was being used as intended.
These cases frequently involve large manufacturers with significant resources to contest liability, underscoring the importance of having experienced legal representation.
How Ashby Thelen Lowry Can Help
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling defective vehicle claims. We meticulously investigate the cause of collisions, gather critical evidence, and hold negligent manufacturers or distributors accountable. From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a defective vehicle, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us navigate the legal complexities on your behalf so you can focus on recovery. Together, we’ll fight for the justice you deserve.