Defective Car Parts Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that may have been caused by a defective car part in North Carolina, you need an experienced defective car parts attorney, like those at the law firm of Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers. Our knowledgeable attorneys have experience fighting auto manufacturers on behalf of injured victims, and will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Protect your rights. Contact us today by completing the free case evaluation form or by calling (800) 525-7111 to set up a free initial consultation.
Dangers in Your Vehicle
Careful drivers are wary of the dangers posed by other motorists on the road, but what if the cause of your accident was actually lurking within your own vehicle, in the form of a defective car part?
Recently, the news has been filled with stories about motor vehicles being recalled because of defective car parts. In 2013 alone, over 22 million vehicles were recalled by manufacturers. Product recalls and defective car parts affect the safety of everyone on the road.
Commonly Defective Car Parts
Sometimes, a car accident has an obvious cause, such as a collision with an obstacle or another driver. Other times, an accident has no easily identifiable cause, and accident investigators or mechanical experts should examine the vehicle to determine the cause and check for defective car parts. Commonly defective vehicle parts which can cause or worsen an accident include:
- Seat Belts
- Airbags
- Tires
- Brakes
- Accelerator Pedals
If you believe that a part of your vehicle was defective and may have contributed to your accident, consult a North Carolina defective car parts attorney for guidance. Additionally, be sure to have your vehicle examined for any defects before you have it repaired.
Free Case Review
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Riddle & Riddle is here to guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What Makes a Car Part Defective?
The fact that a car part failed does not necessarily mean that the car part was defective. Legally, a car part is only defective when the car part manufacturer was negligent in designing the part, manufacturing the part, or failed to warn consumers about any dangers associated with that part.
In order to recover damages for any injuries suffered, an injured person, or plaintiff, must prove that the car part not only malfunctioned, but that the malfunction came about because of some wrongdoing on the part of the auto manufacturer, or defendant. This is usually shown with expert testimony about the defects in the part, scientific testimony regarding the safety of a part as it is designed, or through the introduction of evidence that the manufacturer knew about the same defect in similar vehicles and failed to warn consumers.
Because lawsuits against car manufacturers can be very technical, you need knowledgeable and experienced legal representation. The attorneys at Riddle & Riddle have tried hundreds of product liability cases in North Carolina, including those involving defective car parts. If you believe your accident may have been caused by a defective car part, call (800) 525-7111 to set up a free initial consultation with one of our North Carolina attorneys.
How Does a Product Recall Affect My Right to Sue for Damages?
If your car is part of a vehicle recall by the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall could affect your case.
If the recall was issued after your accident, this may strengthen your claim that the part was defective. However, a product recall does not automatically mean that the manufacturer is liable for your injuries. You will still need to prove that your particular vehicle part was defective, and that the manufacturer was negligent in creating or designing the defective part which caused your accident.
Alternatively, if the vehicle recall occurred before your accident, and you chose not to have the part repaired or replaced, this may hurt your lawsuit. However, don’t assume that you do not have a case. It is still the manufacturer’s responsibility to prove that you knew about the recall.
Contact Riddle & Riddle — North Carolina Defective Car Parts Attorneys
Auto manufacturers spend millions defending themselves from defective car part claims. If you have been injured by a defective car part, you need a law firm with the experience and the resources to prove that you deserve compensation for your injuries. The attorneys at Riddle & Riddle have a combined 171 years of experience which they will put to use fighting for your rights after an accident.
The state of North Carolina limits how much time you have after an accident to pursue a claim for a defective car part, so don’t delay! Call (800) 525-7111 to set up an appointment in one of our offices, conveniently located in Goldsboro, Kinston, Raleigh and Jacksonville, or complete the form at the top of this page to have one of our attorneys contact you about your case. When justice counts, count on Riddle & Riddle to fight for your rights!