Whether you’re commuting to and from work, taking your kids to school, or running errands around town, you probably spend a solid chunk of your day behind the wheel. We rely heavily on our cars to get us from Point A to Point B, come rain or shine. Because we use our vehicles so often, it is absolutely crucial that they be safe and well built, otherwise serious, if not deadly, accidents could occur.When a vehicle is built with a defect or safety hazard, the company or manufacturer is responsible for addressing the issue quickly to avoid any major injuries. Unfortunately, not all motor vehicle manufacturers are quick to take ownership when something goes wrong.
Faulty vehicle parts can hamper a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle properly, or it could lead to some type of safety issue that fails to keep the driver or passengers safe during a crash. Whatever the defect, if it is not addressed, it could lead to life-altering injuries.
To avoid any potential accidents with your vehicle, make sure you know some of the most common types of dangerous vehicle defects and recalls.
1. Brake Failure
When a car’s brakes fail, the driver could lose control and hit a building, wall, another vehicle, or they may drift into oncoming traffic. Whatever the situation, without properly functioning brakes, a vehicle can be exceedingly dangerous. Brake failure could be caused by a design flaw, or it might be the result of a poorly made part or improper installation.
2. Airbag Issues
Airbags are made to keep us safe in the event of a crash with the use of cushioned force, stopping forward momentum. However, if an airbag malfunctions, it could cause serious damage. Airbags could deploy improperly, causing major head or chest injuries, or they may fail to deploy in a crash, which can be deadly.
3. Tire Separation
Every car, truck or van needs functional tires in order to operate safely. In the past, some tire defects have caused the tires to separate while driving, leading to dangerous blowouts and subsequent crashes. Other types of tire issues include tire bead failures, zipper failures, and faulty tire stems.
4. Computer Problems
Nowadays, most new cars are controlled by a central computer system. This computer often controls a majority of the car’s functions, including everything from temperature controls to fuel levels and tire pressure sensors. However, when this malfunctions, it could cause the cruise control to accelerate unbidden, or it might affect the transmission, report faulty fuel levels, and so on.
5. Steering Trouble
The steering wheel may seem like a basic vehicle component, but issues with power steering can be extremely complex and dangerous. In some cases, the computer may glitch, causing power steering to fail. Or, the actual steering wheel may be hampered by some physical defect or faulty part that prevents the driver from retaining absolute control over the vehicle’s steering.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by a vehicle defect, our firm is prepared to help you take legal action. The damages in a car accident can be painful, costly, and life-altering, which is why you need to explore your legal options. Our experienced attorneys can provide you with the guidance you need after a crash so that you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet.
Contact Goodman Acker P.C. today to schedule a consultation with our defective car lawyer.