Auto Defect Accidents in San Diego

Nearly 6,000 car accidents occur in San Diego, California, every year. While distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and other acts of negligence are the primary causes of these wrecks, some collisions happen for reasons outside of a motorist’s control—including automotive defects. 

In fact, research suggests that about two percent of all traffic accidents are caused by auto defects.

What is an Auto Defect?

An auto defect is a problem with the way a vehicle or the component of a vehicle is designed, manufactured, or marketed. 

The defect makes the vehicle (or component) unsafe and creates a very real threat to consumer safety. 

Most often, we see auto defects affect vehicle:

• Airbags
• Brakes
• Tires
• Seat belts
• Accelerators
• Door latch mechanisms
• Fuel systems
• Steering components
• Transmission
• Ignitions
• Engine cooling fans
• Wiring systems
• Headlight and taillight defects

Some defects - like those involving a vehicle’s design - will affect every vehicle or component that’s built. The problem is inherent to the way the component is designed, which means it cannot be safe, no matter how much care is used during the vehicle’s assembly.

Other defects - like those involving a component’s assembly - might affect a single car or an entire group of cars on an assembly line. 

How Do I Recover Compensation If I Was Injured Because of an Auto Defect?

In California, auto defects are typically a matter of strict liability. When a company sells, manufactures, or designs a product, it can automatically be liable for defects that cause personal injury or wrongful death. 

When you file a car accident lawsuit based on an auto defect, you’ll have to prove:

• The company designed/manufactured/sold the vehicle or component
• The vehicle or component was unreasonably dangerous because of the way it was designed, manufactured, or marketed
• The vehicle/component was used as instructed or in a reasonably foreseeable way
• The defect caused you to suffer injuries or lose a close family member
• You’ve suffered damages

Through an auto defect lawsuit, you’ll have the opportunity to demand compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Disability
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Inconvenience

There are times when a California jury can award punitive damages, too. In auto defect cases, this is most appropriate when a car manufacturer conceals crash test results or information about known safety risks. 

Trust Singleton Schreiber to Help You Take on the Manufacturer After an Auto Defect Accident in San Diego

Don’t get stressed out about taking on a powerful automotive company after a car accident in San Diego. Call Singleton Schreiber, and trust our award-winning San Diego, CA truck accident lawyers to be your fearless advocates.

Our San Diego car accident attorneys will investigate your crash, determine if the auto component was recalled, gather critical pieces of evidence, and work to construct a claim that forces the manufacturer to take responsibility for your injuries.

We offer a free consultation , so contact our San Diego law office to discuss your auto defect accident case today.