Automotive defects can put drivers and passengers at risk long before a problem becomes obvious on the road. From faulty brakes to malfunctioning airbags, even a small design or manufacturing error can have serious, sometimes deadly, results. Knowing the most common reasons why vehicle defects happen gives drivers a better chance to keep their cars safe and helps spot who might be responsible if something goes wrong. When that happens, a Fresno product liability attorney can be a valuable resource in determining liability and pursuing compensation.

Common Causes of Automotive Defects

Automotive defects can turn everyday driving into a serious risk, so understanding their causes is essential to keep everyone safe and hold the right parties accountable. Some of the most common causes include:

• Manufacturing Defects: Problems can occur during the building or assembly of a car. This might include a faulty airbag that won’t deploy or other mistakes on the production line. Even a minor flaw can compromise safety and cause bad accidents.
• Design Defects: Unlike a build mistake, design defects are baked in before production even starts. These problems may involve brake systems that fail under stress, fuel tanks that catch fire in a crash, or cars that don’t hold up in a collision even when built exactly as planned.
• Component Failures: Many defect claims involve parts that break or wear out more quickly than expected, like brakes, tires, or suspensions. Sometimes it’s due to low-quality materials, sloppy assembly, or poor upkeep, putting the whole vehicle – and everyone in it – at risk.
• Poor Quality Parts or Materials: Using cheaper or weaker materials can make car components fail early. Examples include parts made from flimsy metal, low-grade tires, or unreliable safety systems, any of which can turn simple issues into life-threatening emergencies.
• Design or Manufacturing Oversights: Sometimes, automakers or parts suppliers miss steps in quality control or don’t test parts as thoroughly as needed. When issues go unseen, dangerous defects might not show up until people are already driving the cars.

Recognizing where a defect starts makes it easier for accident victims to get answers and seek fair compensation when a problem in their car leads to a personal injury.

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Defect Caused Your Accident

If you think a defect in your car may have caused your accident, taking the right steps from the start can make a big difference. Here are some important things you should do after the accident:

• Get immediate medical care for any injuries and keep all records from your medical treatment.
• Take photos of the accident scene, your car, damaged parts, and anything unusual you notice about the vehicle.
• Preserve your vehicle in its post-crash condition – do not attempt repairs until a professional or lawyer checks it for evidence. You don’t want to inadvertently get rid of evidence that will help prove your claim.
• Gather witness names and work with your lawyer to obtain their statements and any available surveillance or dashcam footage that might show how the accident happened.
• Hold onto any recall notices and service records for your vehicle.
• Talk to a Fresno accident lawyer with experience in automotive defect cases as soon as possible for legal guidance and help with your next steps.

Acting quickly and protecting evidence helps build a stronger claim if a car defect ended up causing harm to you or your loved ones. If you have any questions, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.