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Accidents Caused by Defective Auto Equipment

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 2.3 million people were injured in traffic accidents in 2013 alone. While statistics show that most of these accidents are caused by driver error, many are instead caused by defective vehicle equipment. Under the principles of products liability, those who have been injured in accidents caused by defective products may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries and related losses.

Cases involving defective consumer products, including auto equipment, usually fall into one of three categories:

Defective design – These claims allege that the product was designed in a way which makes it “unreasonably dangerous to use as intended,” and often apply to all instances of the product rather than the quality of its manufacture.

Defective manufacture – These allege that the product was poorly manufactured – and, thus, made dangerous – and often allege poor-quality materials or substandard workmanship.

Marketing defects – These claims, also known as “failure to warn” claims, allege that the product exposed the consumer to non-obvious dangers which could have been mitigated with an adequate warning.

Cars are made up of thousands of parts, and many newer cars use onboard computers to regulate a variety of functions and alert the driver to potential dangers. Although motor vehicles are certainly much safer today than in the past, serious accidents can occur when essential parts and functions fail.

Common examples of defective equipment can include:

– Accelerator pedals
– Airbags
– Anti-lock braking systems
– Brakes
– Cruise control systems
– Headlights
– Taillights

Accidents caused by defective equipment can cause devastating injuries. Some common sustained injuries include:

– Broken bones
– Dislocations
– Lacerations
– Muscle tears
– Nerve damage
– Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
– Soft tissue injuries
– Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by defective products or equipment, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.

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