Faulty Car Parts Cause Harm

Car accidents are stressful enough, but when a crash or injury results from a defective vehicle part, it can feel especially unfair. California drivers trust that their vehicles are safe for the road. Unfortunately, faulty brakes, airbags, or tires can fail without warning. If you or a loved one has been hurt and suspect a defective car part is to blame, you are not alone in seeking answers.

Vehicle part defects often lead to serious injuries, sometimes even wrongful death. California law gives you the right to hold manufacturers, suppliers, or dealerships responsible for injuries caused by unsafe products. Many people facing this situation also want to know about other product liability issues or what to do if dangerous drugs are involved in an accident. Understanding your next steps can help you regain control during a difficult time.

What Is a Defective Vehicle Part?

A defective vehicle part is any component that fails to perform as safely as a reasonable consumer would expect. Defects can include:

• Brakes that do not stop the car as intended
• Airbags that fail to deploy, deploy unexpectedly, or cause injury
• Faulty seatbelts or latches
• Tires that blow out under normal use
• Malfunctioning acceleration or steering systems

Defects generally fall into three categories:

• Design defects: The part is unsafe in its design, even before it is made.
• Manufacturing defects: The part became dangerous during production.
• Failure to warn: The maker did not provide instructions or warnings about risks.

If you are unsure about the type of issue you’re facing, it may be helpful to see examples of common defective vehicle parts causing accidents.

California Laws on Vehicle Defects

California has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country. Under the state’s product liability laws, injury victims do not need to prove that a manufacturer was negligent—only that the product was defective and caused harm.

Key legal points include:

• Strict liability: Makers and sellers can be held responsible for injuries caused by a defective part, regardless of intent.
• Comparative fault: If your actions played a role in the accident, you might still recover damages, but your compensation could be reduced.
• Two-year time limit: In most cases, you have two years from the date of injury to file a claim.

Federal law also applies. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforces recalls and safety standards. If you suspect your injury resulted from a recalled part, visit the NHTSA website to check recent recalls or review state-specific resources on vehicle defects.

Who May Be Liable?

A variety of parties could be responsible for injuries from defective vehicle parts:

• Manufacturers of the car or part
• Auto dealerships
• Repair shops that installed faulty parts
• Distributors or retailers

You do not have to prove exactly where the defect occurred, only that the defect existed and caused your injury. For more on liability, see proving liability in defective vehicle part cases.

What Steps Should You Take?

If you suspect a faulty car part caused your injury, take these steps:

1. Seek medical attention even for minor injuries.
2. Preserve the vehicle—do not repair or dispose of it until it’s inspected.
3. Document evidence: Take photos, save receipts, and gather witness details.
4. Report the incident: File a police report and check for recalls.
5. Contact an attorney: A lawyer experienced in product liability can guide you.

Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and your rights. For more on filing claims, review how to pursue a defective vehicle part claim.

What Damages Can You Claim?

In California, you may be able to recover for:

• Medical bills and future care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

The value of your claim depends on your injuries, costs, and how the defect affected your life. Learn more about compensation in consumer product lawsuits or compare with other types of product defects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Defective Vehicle Parts in California

What counts as a defective vehicle part in California? A defective vehicle part is any component that fails to work as safely as a reasonable consumer would expect, due to design, manufacturing, or warning issues.

Who can be held liable for injuries from a defective car part? Manufacturers, distributors, retailers, or repair shops may be held liable if a defective part causes injury, depending on where the defect originated.

How long do I have to file a claim in California? You usually have two years from the date of injury to file a product liability claim involving defective vehicle parts in California.

What evidence should I keep after a suspected vehicle defect accident? Preserve the vehicle, take photographs, save all repair and purchase documents, and obtain a copy of any police report.

Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault? Yes. California’s comparative fault law allows you to recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault.

Let Us Help You Move Forward

Facing the aftermath of a vehicle defect can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Attain Law attorneys are ready to explain your rights and next steps in California. If you have questions or want to discuss your situation, contact us today for a free consultation or call (888) 970-8627. We’re here to support you.

Disclaimer: This is an advertisement. The information provided is for general purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your specific case. Attain Law cannot guarantee outcomes, as results vary by situation.

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