Automobile Defects
Many Atlanta residents know that motor vehicles are virtually necessary for getting to locations in and around the city, and people invest considerable time and maintenance in making sure that their automobiles are able to function properly. Some accidents in Georgia do not involve any driver negligence but instead, occur because of internal problems with vehicles caused by defective components.
When any defective motor vehicle part causes a car crash, the party that designed or manufactured the part can be liable to all victims for their injuries. If a person dies in an automobile accident caused by a defective part, certain family members of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death action.
Attorney for Automobile Defects in Atlanta, GA
Did you sustain serious injuries or was your loved one killed in a car accident caused by a defective motor vehicle part in Georgia? You will want to make sure that you contact The Balams Firm before speaking to an insurance company or signing any paperwork.
Atlanta personal injury lawyer ReShea Balams represents clients with product liability claims in Sandy Springs, Milton, East Point, Forest Park, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Norcross, Smyrna, and many surrounding areas of DeKalb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Clayton County, and Cobb County.
Call (404) 445-2005 right now to have our attorney provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation.
Overview of Automobile Defects in Georgia
- What are some of the most frequent types of motor vehicle defects?
- Have there been any major recalls because of defective parts?
- Where can I learn more about automobile defects in Atlanta?
Common Kinds of Automobile Defects in Atlanta
The manufacturers of motor vehicles are expected to produce automobiles that are free from defects and safe for regular use. Under the doctrine of “crashworthiness,” a manufacturer may be liable for any manufacturing or design defect that causes a motor vehicle accident or enhances the injuries sustained if the defect does not cause the accident itself.
Any one of a number of parts on an automobile can be defective and play a significant role in causing or enhancing injuries people might suffer. Some of the most common kinds of automobile defects include, but are not limited to:
- Airbag failure;
- Brake failure;
- Collapsing roof;
- Cruise control malfunction;
- Defective fuel systems;
- Defective seatbelts;
- Defective tires;
- Door latch failure;
- Engine stalling;
- Fluid leaks;
- Steering system defects;
- SUV rollovers; and
- Tire tread separation and blowouts.
Famous Recalls Resulting from Automobile Defects
When an automobile manufacturer learns of a possible defect, it may issue its own recall to correct the problem with affected vehicles. If an issue has resulted in a significant number of accidents, a government agency will often force the company to institute a recall.
Recalls can be very costly for companies, but failure to enact recall measures can also be expensive if a manufacturer sold a motor vehicle with knowledge of the defective condition. Over the years, a number of manufacturers have had to carry out some major motor vehicle recalls in the United States.
Some of the most notable cases include:
- The Ford Motor Company agreed in 1980 to mail warning labels to 23 million owners of Fords with C-3, C-4, C-6, FMX, and JATCO automatic transmissions after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received 23,000 complaints about Ford transmissions, including reports of 6,000 accidents, 1,710 injuries.
- Ford announced the biggest voluntary safety recall by an automaker in 1996 when it recalled 8.7 million cars and trucks equipped with a defective ignition switch that can cause steering-column fires. An internal probe revealed complaints of 1,100 ignition-switch fires in the United States and 900 in Canada, with 28 injuries.
- Approximately 11.9 million Honda and Acura vehicles were subject to a recall related to Takata airbag inflator ruptures. The United States Department of Transportation fined Honda $70 million for failing to report warranty claims as well as 1,729 injuries and death claims to NHTSA between 2003 and 2014.
- General Motors LLC (GM) notified NHTSA on July 3, 2014, that they were recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles in which the weight on the key ring could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. The ignition switch defect was connected to 13 deaths.
- The Toyota Motor Corporation ultimately recalled 5.2 million vehicles for a pedal entrapment or floor mat problem and an additional 2.3 million vehicles for an accelerator pedal problem between 2009 and 2011. In 2012, Toyota agreed to pay $1.2 billion to settle unintended acceleration claims.
Automobile Defects Resources in Georgia
Motor Vehicle Defects and Safety Recalls: What Every Vehicle Owner Should Know | NHTSA — Visit this website to view NHTSA’s Motor Vehicle Safety Defects and Recalls Booklet. You can find answers to frequently asked questions about how and why recall campaigns are initiated as well as information about your rights and responsibilities when a vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment is recalled. On this section of the NHTSA website, you can learn more about how the agency conducts investigations.
Recalls.gov — Recalls.gov lists government-initiated recalls from federal agencies. View recent recalls relating to consumer products, motor vehicles, tires, and other areas. You can also search for motor vehicle, equipment, or tire recalls involving NHTSA.
Find an Automobile Defects Lawyer in Atlanta, GA
If you suffered severe injuries or your loved one was killed in a motor vehicle crash caused by a defective automobile part, it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. The Balams Firm can conduct a thorough investigation into your accident and work to make sure all negligent parties are held accountable.
ReShea Balams is an experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta who helps residents and visitors in communities throughout DeKalb County, Cobb County, Clayton County, Gwinnett County, and Fulton County, such as Dunwoody, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Forest Park, Milton, East Point, Alpharetta, and many others.
You can have our lawyer review your case and discuss all of your legal options when you call (404) 445-2005 or fill out an online contact form to receive a free, no-obligation consultation.
