The Impact of Defective Automobile Parts on Accident Liability
Car accidents happen for many reasons—driver error, weather, road conditions—but one cause that’s often overlooked is faulty vehicle components. When brakes fail without warning or airbags don’t deploy properly, serious harm can follow.
These aren’t minor mishaps; they’re failures that could lead to catastrophic injury or even death. That’s why defective automobile parts carry serious weight when it comes to accident liability.
At Oldham & Smith Attorney at Law, we understand how these cases affect families and individuals across Florida. When you're hurt because a part didn’t work as it should, it's our job to look beyond the surface and help you figure out who should be held responsible.
Our product liability attorneys have the experience to take on these difficult cases and pursue justice for those harmed by defective parts. In the sections below, we explore how faulty parts cause accidents, who may be held liable, and what legal steps you can take if you’ve been affected.
How Defective Auto Parts Cause Serious Accidents
We often see accidents where the issue isn’t what someone did behind the wheel—it’s what the car failed to do. When vital parts malfunction, drivers can lose control in seconds.
Brake system failures: These occur when hydraulic lines, brake pads, or anti-lock brake systems break down unexpectedly. Sudden failure can cause devastating rear-end collisions or intersection accidents.
Tire defects: Tires that blow out, separate, or lose tread integrity can cause rollovers or lane departures. Many of these tires were sold with existing flaws.
Airbag deployment issues: Airbags may fail to deploy or deploy with too much force. This can either leave drivers unprotected or cause additional injuries in an accident.
Steering and suspension failures: When steering columns lock or suspension components break, vehicles can veer into traffic or become uncontrollable.
Faulty lights and electronics: Brake lights that don’t work or malfunctioning warning systems can leave drivers unaware of danger or make them invisible to others.
When any of these components malfunction, they shift the blame from the driver to the manufacturer, distributor, or mechanic responsible for keeping that part safe.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Defective Parts Accident
Assigning liability for these cases can be challenging, but we know where to look. A key question is: Who had control over the defective part before it failed?
Manufacturers: If the defect occurred during the design or production process, the company that made the vehicle or the part may be at fault.
Part suppliers: In some cases, the issue lies with a third-party part supplier. Even if the vehicle brand isn’t responsible, the maker of the part can still be liable.
Dealerships or repair shops: If the issue came from an improper repair, installation, or a known faulty part being sold, local businesses may also carry responsibility.
Shipping or storage handlers: Parts that degrade during transit or are improperly stored can become unsafe before ever being installed.
We work to identify where the failure occurred, how it happened, and who had control over the product at each step. Our product liability attorneys use this process to build strong, fact-driven claims.
Legal Standards That Support a Product Liability Claim
To hold someone legally responsible for a defective part, we need to show more than just that an accident occurred. There are three key types of product liability claims that help us build these cases: design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn.
A design defect exists when the product is inherently unsafe, even if it was made correctly. For instance, a brake pad that wears out too quickly under normal use may point to a flawed design. A manufacturing defect, on the other hand, arises when a part is designed safely, but something went wrong during production, like improper materials or assembly errors.
Failure to warn applies when companies don’t provide adequate instructions or warnings about how to safely use or install a component. If a critical risk wasn’t clearly communicated to mechanics or consumers, that can also support a liability claim.
Each type requires specific evidence, which is why early investigation is so important. Our product liability attorneys gather this evidence through part inspections, industry comparisons, and professional evaluations to help build a strong claim.
How We Prove a Defective Part Was the Cause
Proving a direct link between a faulty part and a crash isn’t easy, but we’ve developed clear methods to establish responsibility. We use a combination of accident investigation and product review to make our case.
Crash reconstruction: We may bring in engineers to study how the accident happened. Did the brakes fail to engage? Was there tire tread left on the road?
Part inspection: Examining the failed part—whether it’s a warped rotor or a shredded airbag—can offer critical clues.
Recall research: We check if the part has been involved in a manufacturer's recall. If it was, and the recall wasn’t addressed, liability becomes more obvious.
Industry standards comparison: If a part failed to meet federal safety standards or industry guidelines, it can help strengthen a liability case.
Witness and driver statements: First-hand accounts of what the driver saw, heard, or felt just before the crash can support the physical evidence.
With this approach, we build compelling claims that connect the defective part to the injuries and damage our clients experienced.
Injuries and Damages Tied to Faulty Parts
When a part fails, the resulting damage can be extensive. We’ve worked with clients who suffered both physical and emotional injuries due to vehicle defects. These are often high-stakes cases involving:
Traumatic brain injuries: These happen when airbags don’t deploy or seat belts don’t restrain properly during high-speed collisions.
Spinal cord damage: Suspension or tire failure can lead to rollovers, increasing the risk of spinal trauma.
Fractures and crush injuries: Steering failure or defective brakes can lead to side-impact crashes and structural collapse.
Burns and lacerations: Electrical defects or exploding parts may lead to fires or sharp debris in the cabin.
Psychological trauma: The aftermath of these accidents often includes PTSD, anxiety, and other long-term emotional struggles.
When injuries result from someone else’s failure to make a safe product, victims may be entitled to seek recovery for medical costs, missed work, vehicle loss, pain, and emotional distress. Our product liability attorneys handle all of these details with care.
How Recalls Affect Liability
When a vehicle or part is under recall, it doesn’t automatically remove fault from the manufacturer. We’ve seen cases where:
The recall wasn’t properly communicated: Some owners never received notification.
The fix wasn’t made available in time: People continued driving while waiting for replacement parts.
Dealers didn’t act on recall instructions: Some shops failed to complete the repairs after the car was brought in.
These scenarios often support stronger liability claims. A recall signals that the part is dangerous—if no proper steps were taken, the responsible parties can’t claim they didn’t know about the risk.
What to Do if You Suspect a Defective Part
If you’re in an accident and suspect a defective part may have been involved, quick action can make a big difference in your ability to bring a claim. Start by documenting everything. Photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and road conditions can help show what went wrong. Try to leave the vehicle untouched—repairs or disposal could destroy valuable evidence.
Medical treatment is another priority, and keeping all related records is essential for proving your injuries. If possible, get a copy of your vehicle’s service history. This can reveal whether a part was recently replaced or if a shop had any involvement. Most importantly, speak with one of our product liability attorneys as soon as you’re able.
Early investigation helps us preserve evidence, speak to witnesses, and uncover the facts before they disappear.
How Our Firm Supports Injured Drivers and Families
We believe in supporting people through the legal process without adding more stress. That’s why our firm takes care of every part of the case:
Investigating the accident: We’ll review records, inspect vehicles, and consult professionals to understand what failed and why.
Determining fault: We identify everyone who may be responsible, whether it’s a parts maker, a shop, or a distributor.
Filing claims: We’ll handle all the paperwork and legal communication so our clients can focus on recovery.
Negotiating settlements: When possible, we work toward fair compensation without going to court, but we’re always prepared for trial if needed.
Working with experienced product liability attorneys gives injured parties a much better chance of having their voices heard and their needs recognized.
When a Case May Go to Trial
While many of these claims settle out of court, there are situations where a trial is necessary. If the manufacturer disputes the claim or the injuries are severe, we’ll present the case before a judge and jury.
During the trial, we prepare by:
Calling professional witnesses: These may include engineers, medical professionals, or accident reconstruction technicians.
Presenting physical evidence: The failed part, crash photos, and damage reports are often powerful visuals.
Making a clear connection: We show how the defect caused the crash and how the crash caused the injuries.
A strong trial strategy often encourages settlement as well. Knowing we’re prepared to go to court helps move discussions forward.
How Our Firm Supports Your Recovery
When defective parts lead to injuries, we step in to protect your interests and work to see that every responsible party is held accountable. We know these cases can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with medical treatment and lost income at the same time.
Our process starts with investigating the cause of the accident. We review vehicle data, part performance, repair history, and manufacturer records. Once we’ve identified what failed and who’s responsible, we prepare and file your claim. That includes handling communications, gathering documents, and organizing everything needed to move the case forward.
If a fair settlement is possible, we’ll pursue it. If a trial is necessary, we’ll prepare your case carefully and present it with clarity and focus. Every step we take is built around your goals and needs—not just your injuries, but the impact on your life, your work, and your family.
Knowledgeable Legal Counsel
If you or someone you love has been hurt due to a faulty car part, don’t wait. We serve clients across Tavares, Eustis, Leesburg, Groveland, Lake County, and we’re ready to listen. Schedule a free consultation with one of our product liability attorneys to discuss your situation and explore how we can assist you in Florida.
