What Happens if a Vehicle Malfunction Contributed to the Accident?
You have a fair and reasonable right to assume that a vehicle you purchase is reasonably safe. If a crash happens (or is made worse) because of an automotive malfunction, the manufacturer or another company may be liable for your injuries under Pennsylvania’s product liability laws. Here, our product liability lawyers in Chambersburg explain your rights and your options if a serious vehicle malfunction contributed to your motor vehicle crash in Pennsylvania.
What to Know About Product Liability Laws and Vehicle Malfunctions in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, vehicle manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have a legal duty to ensure that the automobiles and parts they sell are reasonably safe when used as intended. If a defect contributes to causing or worsening a crash, the company responsible for placing that product into the stream of commerce may be held liable through a product liability claim.
Key Point: Pennsylvania follows strict liability principles (13 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2318). Under the law, you do not need to prove negligence. You only need to prove that the product was defective and that it caused your injuries.
Common Vehicle Malfunctions in Pennsylvania
Vehicle malfunctions can come in a wide range of different forms. There are many issues that can either cause a crash or make an accident much worse than it otherwise would have been. Some of the most common vehicle malfunctions in Pennsylvania include:
- Brake Failure: A defective braking system can make it impossible for a driver to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Steering Defects: Malfunctions in steering components may lead to a sudden or complete loss of control of the vehicle.
- Defective Tires: Tread separation, blowouts, or other tire defects frequently result in rollovers or high-speed crashes.
- Airbag Malfunctions: Airbags that fail to deploy, deploy too late, or deploy with excessive force can cause serious injuries.
- Seatbelt Failures: A defective restraint system may not properly secure occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of severe harm.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical system failures can disable critical safety mechanisms or lead to sudden loss of power while driving.
- Defective Ignition Switches: Even a seemingly minor defect can cause the vehicle to stall unexpectedly or shut off essential safety systems.
How to Prove a Vehicle Defect Contributed to a Crash
Proving that a vehicle defect caused or contributed to a collision requires a careful and comprehensive investigation into the case. A highly specialized and highly technical area of law. Along with other things, your Pennsylvania product liability attorney may work with accident reconstruction specialists and automotive engineers to identify the defect and establish a causal link between the malfunction and the crash. Pennsylvania requires the victim to show two key things with compelling, reliable evidence:
- The product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control; and
- The defect in question was a direct cause of their injuries.
Call Our Chambersburg Product Liability Lawyers Today
At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Chambersburg product liability lawyer handles the full range of vehicle malfunction cases. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Chambersburg, our firm handles vehicle defect cases in Franklin County and throughout South Central Pennsylvania.