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334-333-3333When you get behind the wheel, you trust that every part of your vehicle will function properly to keep you safe. Unfortunately, defective components like brakes, airbags, and tires continue to endanger countless drivers each year.
Since 1966, more than 390 million vehicles, 46 million tires, and 66 million pieces of equipment have been recalled for safety issues. In 2019, Takata airbags were tied to over 20 fatalities, including a tragic death in Alabama.
If you’ve been in a crash, you may ask, “Could a defective part be to blame?” or “Can I hold the manufacturer accountable?” Learn which parts commonly fail and how experienced Alabama car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Manufacturers are legally responsible for ensuring their products are safe for use. When a defective vehicle part causes harm, Alabama’s product liability laws offer a way for victims to seek compensation for their losses and injuries.
These defects usually fall into three main categories based on where the failure occurred:
While any vehicle part can fail, some components are more prone to defects than others. Here’s a look at common defective car parts and the issues they can cause:
| Defective Part | Issues It Causes | Real-World Cases |
| Brakes | Malfunctioning brakes can delay stopping or fail, putting drivers at immediate risk of dangerous collisions. | In 2020, Honda recalled over 200,000 vehicles for electronic brake malfunctions that caused unexpected braking or reduced performance. |
| Tires | Defective tires may experience blowouts or tread separation, causing sudden loss of control and dangerous crashes. | Goodyear recalled 173,237 tires in 2022 after tread separation increased crash risks. |
| Airbags | Faulty airbags can deploy unexpectedly or fail to activate in an accident, leaving passengers vulnerable to severe injuries. | Takata airbags were recalled after explosions caused by heat and humidity, which led to injuries and fatalities worldwide. |
| Steering Systems | Defective steering components can cause a sudden loss of control, increasing the likelihood of crashes. | In 2024, Honda voluntarily recalled 1.7 million vehicles due to steering issues linked to a defective gearbox part. |
| Accelerator Controls | Faulty accelerator systems can cause unintended acceleration, making it difficult for drivers to stop safely. | Nissan recalled over 66,000 Leaf EVs in 2023 for programming errors that caused unintended acceleration. |
| Electrical Components | Electrical system failures can lead to fires or disable essential functions, harming drivers and passengers. | In 2021, GM recalled Chevy Bolt EVs due to battery defects that led to multiple vehicle fires. |
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a defective car part, you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible. To do so, you must prove three key elements:
Recalls can be critical in proving liability. They are typically issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or voluntarily by the manufacturer. If the part that caused your crash was under recall, it shows the defect was recognized as a safety hazard and, in some cases, linked to prior accidents or injuries.
Your attorney can review federal recall databases, manufacturer communications, and consumer complaints to confirm whether your car part was recalled. If so, they can use that information to connect the defect to your accident and injuries.
Recalls are often valuable in proving liability, but a manufacturer can still be held responsible even if the part was never recalled. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our auto accident attorneys can gather additional evidence to support your claim, including:
Drawing on years of experience and expert insights, we analyze the evidence, connect your damages to the manufacturer’s negligence, and win you the settlement you deserve.
You deserve a fair settlement if a defective car part caused your accident. We have the expertise and resources to hold manufacturers responsible for their negligence. Our team can gather the evidence to connect the failure to your injuries and fight for maximum compensation.
We handle the legal process and insurer communications so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward the financial support you need.
