Car Accident Caused by Defects in Gwinnett County

When a vehicle part is defective or the car was not repaired correctly, it can dramatically decrease the driver’s ability to control the car. A car accident caused by defects in the vehicle’s design or parts can lead to serious injury, permanent disability and even death. If you were the victim in one of these accidents in Gwinnett County, car accident lawyer John Morrison may be able to help you recover damages from the manufacturer or other negligent party.

What kinds of issues may warrant a claim for defective design or parts?

Defective parts can cause any number of car problems, such as the following.

• Brake failure
• Tire blow-outs
• Failure of the steering system
• Uncontrolled acceleration or deceleration
• Cruise control malfunctions
• Malfunctioning airbags

In other cases, the defect lies in the design of the vehicle, making it less “crashworthy.” Car manufacturers have a responsibility to design vehicles that protect drivers and passengers during an accident. When problems occur during the design or manufacture of the automobile, it can put occupants at increased risk during a crash. These problems often involve the chassis, gas tank, seatbelts, or airbags.

Is the manufacturer at fault?

Georgia law makes it easier to show that a car maker was responsible for your injuries through a concept known as strict liability. This statute states that the manufacturer of any product sold as new is liable for injuries sustained from normal use of the product.

In court, the concept of strict liability means that you will not have to prove the car company or parts manufacturer was negligent or careless. Instead you will only need to show that they manufactured the product, that it was defective from the time it left their possession, and that this defect caused or worsened the accident and injury .

What is the role of recalls?

You are probably familiar with auto recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Recalls intend to prevent further issues related to defective parts and designs. The NHTSA usually issues recalls after it receives numerous complaints about a problem, conducts an intensive investigation and finds a defect is present.

If a defective part caused your accident or contributed to your injuries and a recall was later issued, the recall does little to help. However, the NHTSA investigation that found a defect was present may help you establish your case. You may be eligible to recover damages through a product liability lawsuit, or join a class action suit against the manufacturer.

When are service providers liable?

When you take your car to a professional mechanic for service or repair, they must provide a reasonable standard of care. This includes performing the service or repairs in a skillful manner, and following proper protocol to check for safety issues before returning it to you. If the mechanic or other service technician was negligent in the repair of your vehicle, and that negligence caused your accident, you may be able to hold him or his employer liable for damages.

How can a car accident attorney help?

If you were injured in an accident caused by defective car design or parts or negligent repairs in Gwinnett County, car accident attorney John Morrison may be able to recoup compensation for your medical care, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Contact the Law Offices of John Morrison today to schedule an appointment. You can reach our Gwinnett County office at 770-951-8900.