Chicago Auto Defects Lawyers
When you purchase a vehicle, you expect that vehicle to be safe and protect you and your family in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, even with the 1966 implementation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, hundreds of millions of cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and tires have been recalled due to safety defects. While these recalls aim to have safety issues resolved for the majority of vehicle owners, they are often issued after injuries or deaths have already been reported.
Vehicle defects may occur at any point during manufacturing and may result from negligence, low-quality material, or poor construction. No matter the origin, however, these defects are the manufacturer’s responsibility and the manufacturer must be held accountable for any damages they cause. The Chicago defective vehicles attorneys at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC understand the complexities of motor vehicle law, and they are prepared to bring justice for you and your loved ones.
Safety-Related Auto Defects
While a malfunctioning radio or excessively chipping paint may be annoying, these auto defects are not safety risks. Safety-related auto defects are those that risk the safety of drivers and passengers, and possibly exist within a number of vehicles of the same make and model or with the same parts. Some examples of safety-related auto defects include:
- Airbags that do not deploy in the event of an accident, or deploy at an unintended time
- Faulty steering components that lead to sudden loss of control of the vehicle
- Leaking fuel issues that can result in a vehicle fire during an accident
- Wiring issues that can cause vehicle fires
- Faulty brakes
- Seats and seat backs that do not stay in place while driving or during an accident
- Seat belts that break or malfunction
- Any components that break unexpectedly, causing injury or loss of control
- Broken wheels that result in failure to control a vehicle
Any of these defects can result in an unexpected and potentially catastrophic accident.
Other Common Vehicle Defects
If the systems that allow the vehicle to operate safely fail as the result of a defect, it can cause harm to the driver and passengers including, but not limited to, lacerations, broken bones, head and brain injuries, paralysis, or in the worst cases death. Parts of the car, which can cause safety concerns if defective, include:
- The body or frame
- Brakes and braking system
- Cooling and temperature control systems
- Electrical system
- Engine assembly
- Exhaust system
- Fuel system
- Lubrication system
- Passenger compartment
- Steering and suspension systems
- Transmission
Manufacturers may become aware of these defects and issue a recall, which indicates that a part of the vehicle is defective and needs to be repaired. These repairs will be completed at the company’s expense in order to ensure a safe product. However, if these defects go unnoticed or are ignored, they can cause devastating accidents and injuries.
Remedies for Recalled Vehicles due to Auto Defects
Manufacturers are allowed three possible options to resolve a defect under the law once a recall is issued. These three options include the following:
- Repair – manufacturers may repair the defect, which is typically have done at a local dealer for your particular vehicle free of charge
- Replacement – manufacturers may replace the vehicle with the same vehicle lacking the defect, or a similar model
- Refund – manufacturers have the option of refunding the consumer with the price that they paid for the vehicle, taking a reasonable amount of depreciated value into account
If you are issued a recall warning but a manufacturer refuses to offer you any options to resolve the problem with the vehicle, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact an Auto Defects Lawyer in Chicago
If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a vehicle defect, you are undoubtedly frustrated by this reckless negligence. Not only did this defect cause injury, but it also created financial hardship through medical bills, rehabilitation time, and time spent away from work during recovery. However, you do not have to suffer through this injustice alone. A Chicago defective vehicles attorney at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC is ready to help you fight back and receive the compensation you need. To discuss the specifics of your case contact us at 312-346-8620 today. Learn more about different vehicle accidents and how we can help you.