Call Us At (941) 207-7477
In the average automobile, there are over 30,000 parts. Below, we present 10 of these parts that fail most frequently due to defects in product design.
A Florida Product Liability Attorney from W. Lee Clark & Associates can help you if you have been injured due to a defective automobile part.
Call us at (941) 207-7477 for a complimentary consultation. You can also use our contact form online. Let our years of experience work for you.
1. Seatbelts
The majority of individuals believe that when they use a seatbelt, they will be safe in the case of a severe accident. Seatbelts are at times produced negligently by companies and do not save drivers and occupants from harm when most needed. Some of the reasons include broken latches and webbing that is not properly made, as well as a tension detector that has failed.
2. Airbags
When the airbag fails, it can have fatal consequences. It can be deadly when the airbag is deployed without permission. When airbags deploy too forcefully, they can cause severe injuries.
3. Brakes and power steering
Anyone who has experienced the terrifying feeling of suddenly losing their brakes while driving will attest to this. It’s not always due to brake fluid shortage or wear and tear. It could be that they were manufactured negligently.
Losing power steering is just as dangerous. In the 1950s, power steering was not available on most automobiles. Even driving to and from the supermarket required a lot of effort. We’ve grown accustomed to it. It can make a vehicle nearly impossible to drive, no matter how strong you are.
4. Accelerator Controls
The accelerator may result in a crash if it is stuck or fails to function properly. Suppose you were accelerating to catch up with the traffic speed around you, but when you removed your foot from the pedal, you kept accelerating even without pressure.
This can become dangerous very fast, for you and for other drivers. If this happens, stay calm. As you slow down, apply the brakes and put the car in neutral. Find a safe place to stop and pull over.
Call Us At (941) 207-7477
5. Windows and Door Latches
A window is not something you would consider to be faulty, yet it protects both the driver and the passengers. A faulty door latch when you are moving around in your car can be devastating.
If a window or door latch fails in an accident, the driver or passenger may be ejected or unable to escape in an emergency.
6. Seatbacks
The rear of a car’s seats are for more than just comfort and use- they’re intended to prevent serious injury in the case of an accident. Seatbacks that fail will usually snap backward, increasing your risk of sustaining a spinal cord injury.
The defect can also cause serious injury to those in the rear of the vehicle. A child in the rear seat could suffer a fatal injury.
7. Tires
Tires are essential to the safe operation of a vehicle. Blowouts are not only caused by a vehicle running over an object on the road, or being under-inflated. They can also occur when the tire wall is not thick enough, or if the tire is cracked or failed, even if it’s still under warranty.
Faulty tire blowouts can make you lose control, and you might get involved in accidents like a rollover.
8. Windshield Wipers
When you are driving on the road during a storm in Florida and you discover in the midst of it that your windshield wipers are no longer working, it is a scary experience. Drivers are not able to drive properly when malfunctioning wipers are not working, which could lead to an accident.
Activate your hazard lights immediately if you ever find yourself in this situation. Then, attempt to leave the road as safely as possible.
9. Headlights
Headlights that are not working properly can also make driving unsafe. This is particularly true for rural drivers who travel at night and don’t have enough high-mast lighting.
They are more likely to collide with other cars, but they may also run off the road if they encounter an unexpected curve or hit an object in the road they didn’t notice, such as a deer, alligator, etc.
10. Electrical Components
Many of the electrical components in today’s vehicles control critical parts such as the engine, brake system, and fuel system. The failure of a component will not only stop it from working but could also cause a fire.
Keep Informed About Auto Part Recalls
It is your duty to keep yourself updated on any recalls that might relate to your car. You need to regularly check online to determine whether your car is recalled. Manufacturers must notify you of any defective auto parts. Call your local dealer and ask them to check it. They can then tell you what can be done.
You were injured in a car accident, and you think that a defective component could be the cause? We can help.
Attorneys at W. Lee Clark & Associates are highly experienced in defective auto parts cases. Call (941) 207-7477 for a no-obligation, free review of your case.
