There has been an increase in the number of accidents that occur due to vehicle defects. Often, these defects are unnoticeable until the accident happens. Consequently, accidents due to vehicle defects can lead to serious injury to the victim and even cause death.
While the law imposes an obligation on manufacturers to ensure that their products are up to standard, some manufacturers act negligently, breaching their duty. For this reason, victims who sustain injuries in an accident that occurred due to a vehicle defect can hold the manufacturer accountable for their injuries. In simpler terms, they can file a claim seeking compensation and, at the same time, hold the manufacturer liable.
What are the Common Types of Vehicle Defects in Minnesota?
There are multiple types of vehicle defects that can lead to an accident. Typically drivers rely on motor vehicle parts to operate smoothly and coordinate with each other. As such, when this fails to happen, or one of the parts is working incorrectly due to a manufacturing defect, an accident can happen.
Some notable defects that can cause accidents include:
- Tire defects
- Faulty brake lights
- Defective brakes
- Seatbelt malfunctions
- Irregular release of airbags
- Weaknesses in the body of the vehicle
- Automatic transmission complications
Types of Injuries in a Vehicle Defect Crash in Minnesota
Following an accident that occurs due to a vehicle defect, the victims of the accident may sustain serious injuries that may impact their life significantly.
Common injuries that occur due to a defective vehicle include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractured bones
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Permanent disfigurement
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Facial injuries
That said, if you or your loved one sustained an injury that occurred due to a vehicle defect, you might be entitled to compensation. However, it would help if you acted promptly to safeguard your rights and interests in the claim process.
Understanding the Manufacturer’s Duty
Legally speaking, the law imposes a duty on all manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe. This means that manufacturers are obliged to ensure that the vehicles they produce are roadworthy and reasonably safe for use.
As such, if the vehicle is found to have defects and subsequently causes an accident, the manufacturer can be held responsible for the accident.
How can you prove liability in a Vehicle Defect accident?
To succeed in a product liability suit involving w manufacturer, you need to prove that the manufacturer or the at-fault party was negligent. Typically this involves demonstrating the existence of the four essential elements of negligence.
These elements include:
- Duty of care: You need to prove that a duty of care exists between you and the manufacturer.
- Breach of the duty of care: You will need to prove that the defendant breached their duty of care by acting negligently.
- Causation: This involves showing a connection between the harm suffered and the breach. In other words, you need to prove that the defendant’s breach caused the accident.
- Damage: You will need to show that you suffered some form of injury which warrant compensation
How can an attorney in Minnesota help?
It is imperative to seek help from a personal injury attorney in Minnesota as soon as the accident occurs. Essentially, an attorney at the Patterson Dahlberg law firm will set out to ensure that the manufacturer is held accountable.
To achieve this, your attorney will:
- Gather relevant evidence to support your claim
- Represent you in court if your case proceeds to trial
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company
- Safeguard your rights and interests
Need help? Contact an Attorney
If you or your loved one sustained a severe injury due to a vehicle defect accident, you might be eligible to receive compensation.
Contact the attorneys at the Patterson Dahlberg law firm today for a free case evaluation.