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Minot Defective Auto Parts Attorney
Legal help after a defective auto part causes you injury in North Dakota
Defective auto parts can pose risks to drivers and passengers here in North Dakota. Parts like faulty brakes, airbags, defective tires and steering systems can all cause serious injuries or severe collisions.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident caused by defective auto parts, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses. Pursuing this type of claim can be complicated. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help you make a successful North Dakota product liability claim. Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers provides you with the legal help you need to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
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What are some of the most common defective auto parts?
Some of the most common defective auto parts that can lead to a serious car accident include:
- Defective brakes. Faulty brakes are one of the most dangerous defects. If a vehicle’s brakes do not work, the vehicle presents a massive risk to occupants and others on the road.
- Airbags. Defective airbags may not deploy properly, or they could inflate too forcefully, causing serious injury to vehicle occupants. Additionally, an airbag that deploys in the absence of an accident because of a defect can cause a collision.
- Tires. Tires with defects, like weak spots or improper treads, can blow out or lose traction – especially at high speeds. In fact, tires cause around 33,000 accidents in the U.S. each year.
- Steering systems. A malfunctioning steering system can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, which can lead to a serious accident.
- Seat belts. Defective seat belts can malfunction in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of severe injuries.
These are only a few examples, but any defective part in a car can be a safety risk. When a part doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, it can turn an everyday drive into a catastrophic situation. Additionally, today’s cars have more complicated technology that can become damaged or glitch. In those cases, drivers who rely on these tools may end up involved in collisions. “Self-driving cars,” for instance, have the potential to malfunction, leading to crashes.
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Call 701-484-4878 now or fill out the form above to receive a free confidential consultation.
If an auto part fails and causes a car accident here in North Dakota, several parties could be held responsible, depending on the situation. Here are some of the main ones:
- Manufacturers. If the part had a flaw in its design or had a defect when it left the factory, the company that makes the part can be held liable. This includes both the car manufacturer and the company that made the faulty part.
- Dealerships or retailers. Sometimes, the dealership where you bought the car or the part can be held responsible. If the company knowingly sold a defective product or failed to issue a recall notice, it can be even more liable for the resulting harm.
- Mechanics or repair shops. The mechanic or shop that worked on your vehicle can be held responsible if a part failed because it wasn’t installed properly or was damaged during a repair job.
- Distributors. In some cases, the companies involved in distributing or supplying the defective part can share responsibility if they knew – or should have known – about the defect.
All of these parties have a duty to design, sell, and install parts that are safe for consumers. When they fail to do so, courts can hold them liable.
It can be challenging to prove that a part was defective without the help of an experienced Minot car accident attorney. However, there are ways to find the evidence you need to build a strong case.
The process often starts with an analysis of the accident scene. Photos and witnesses can help illustrate how the part may have failed. Next, we may bring in experts like engineers or mechanics who can inspect your vehicle and the part in question. Professionals like these can help identify whether the part had a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or if a mechanic installed the piece incorrectly.
We also check for recalls, safety warnings, or complaints from other drivers with similar issues. If these exist, we might be able to show that the manufacturer had knowledge of the defect. The vehicle’s maintenance history can also prove when and where a part was replaced or repaired. Documentation of repairs can help build a case that the mechanic or repair shop contributed to the failure of the part. Once we have all of this evidence, we will look for ways to use it, along with product liability laws, to build a strong argument that the court should hold the responsible party accountable.
What are the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)?
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) are U.S. government regulations that address vehicle and vehicle part safety requirements. These standards aim to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Here’s what the FMVSS covers:
- Safety performance. The FMVSS sets requirements for how vehicles and parts must perform in terms of safety, including crash protection, braking, and airbag deployment.
- Design and construction. These standards also dictate how certain parts should be designed and constructed. This includes tires, headlights, seatbelts, and other components to ensure they work properly and don’t fail unexpectedly.
- Testing and compliance. Manufacturers must test their vehicles and parts to make sure they meet the FMVSS before they can be sold in the U.S. If a part or vehicle doesn’t meet these standards, manufacturers can’t sell it until the problem is fixed.
- Recalls. If a vehicle or part is found to be defective after being sold, the FMVSS helps guide the recall process. This ensures that unsafe vehicles are fixed or taken off the road.
Overall, the FMVSS are designed to keep cars as safe as possible, and manufacturers are legally required to follow these rules. If an auto part doesn’t meet FMVSS standards and causes an accident, it can be used as evidence to show that the part was defective.
Do you have a Minot defective auto parts attorney near me?
Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers handles complex injury cases for clients throughout North Dakota. Our Minot Office is located at 1020 North Broadway, Minot, ND 58703. Call us at 701-353-2169 to arrange a consultation. If you cannot make it to our office, we can work with you to find an alternative solution.
Minot defective auto parts attorneys working for you
If you or a loved one suffered an injury because of a defective auto part, the attorneys at Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers are here to help. We can investigate your case, assign liability, and work to secure the compensation to which you’re entitled. Call our Minot office or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation. We also provide legal representation to the residents of Ward, Williams, McKenzie, Pierce and Mountrail Counties.