Corpus Christi Defective Vehicle Attorneys

Fighting for Individuals Injured by Defective Vehicles in Corpus Christi, TX

Faulty brakes, malfunctioning airbags, flawed tires, or defective steering systems can lead to serious accidents, causing catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. In such cases, the manufacturers, distributors, or retailers of defective automobile components may be potentially held liable. They bear the responsibility for ensuring their products are safe for use, and when they fail in this duty, they must be held accountable.

If you were injured in an automobile accident caused or worsened by a defective vehicle component, turn to Hilliard Law for results-driven representation. In addition to our proven track record of success, our Corpus Christi defective vehicle lawyers bring decades of collective legal experience, extensive knowledge, and an unyielding commitment to every case we handle. Our team is familiar with many common auto defects and understands how to effectively investigate these accidents. We can determine all sources of liability, help you take legal action against all responsible parties, and fight to secure the just compensation you need to move forward. 

Protect Your Rights with Experienced Legal Representation

When an automotive defect causes an accident and results in injury, you need a proficient attorney to guide you through the intricate legal landscape and advocate for the compensation you rightfully deserve. At Hilliard Law, our seasoned attorneys focus on cases related to automotive defects such as GM ignition defects, Toyota sudden acceleration, tire de-tread, SUV rollovers, roof crush, ATV accidents, and defective seatbelts.

By choosing our firm to represent you, you can expect:

• Individualized attention and unwavering support from start to finish
• Thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy on your behalf
• Expert negotiation skills for fair settlements or robust litigation experience for courtroom battles
• Compassionate guidance and legal expertise to help you navigate this challenging time

Don't delay in seeking legal assistance after an automotive defect accident. Reach out to our experienced attorneys for a consultation to discuss your case and discover how we can help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries.

Contact us online or call (361) 882-1612 to schedule a free initial consultation. If we take your case, you owe our firm no legal fees unless we win.

Common Types of Auto Defects

Defects in both the performance and safety components of a vehicle can lead to serious accidents or exacerbate the injuries sustained in those accidents. Whether it's due to flawed design, subpar manufacturing practices, or inadequate materials, these defects tend to represent a failure on the part of one or more parties.

It may not be immediately apparent that an auto defect caused an accident or failed to protect you in one, which is why promptly consulting a legal professional familiar with investigating these cases is so important. Our Corpus Christi defective vehicle attorneys can thoroughly analyze every aspect of the crash to ascertain whether a faulty part led to or contributed to the accident.

Auto defects that have been known to cause or worsen accidents include:

• Faulty brakes. Braking systems are designed for one main purpose: to decelerate or halt a vehicle promptly, ensuring the driver can avoid potential collisions or stop the vehicle when necessary. When brakes malfunction due to flaws in design, poor manufacturing, or substandard materials, the consequences can be catastrophic. Drivers may find themselves unable to reduce their speed or stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Even in scenarios where a crash is inevitable, the ability to slow down significantly can reduce the severity of the impact. Therefore, a malfunctioning brake system can not only cause accidents but also exacerbate the damages and injuries incurred in such incidents.
• Defective airbags. Airbags are designed to rapidly inflate upon impact during a collision, providing a cushion that protects vehicle occupants from direct contact with the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, and other hard surfaces inside the vehicle. However, when an airbag is defective, it may either fail to deploy in the event of a crash, or it may deploy inappropriately, without a collision. In both scenarios, the occupants of the vehicle are put at significant risk. When an airbag fails to deploy during a crash, it renders the safety feature useless, depriving occupants of the critical protection needed to reduce the impact of the crash. This can result in severe injuries, as the occupants might strike the hard surfaces within the vehicle with great force. On the other hand, unexpected deployment of airbags can be equally dangerous. If an airbag deploys suddenly while the vehicle is in motion, it can cause the driver to lose control, potentially leading to an accident. Moreover, the force of a deploying airbag can cause significant injuries, especially if the occupant is too close to the airbag when it inflates.
• Faulty tires. Tires are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, and any defect can drastically impact the vehicle's handling and stability. Tire defects can vary, including weak sidewalls, tread separation, and poor adhesion, all of which can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. For example, weak sidewalls can cause the tire to fail under pressure, potentially resulting in a sudden flat tire or a blowout. When a tire blows out while the vehicle is moving at high speed, it can cause the driver to lose control, leading to severe and sometimes fatal accidents. Tread separation is another dangerous defect. This occurs when the tread layer separates from the tire's body, often due to poor manufacturing practices or the use of substandard materials. When tread separation happens at high speeds, it may cause the driver to lose control, potentially leading to a rollover accident, especially in higher center-of-gravity vehicles like SUVs and trucks. Poor adhesion of the tire to the road can make handling the vehicle precarious, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This may lead to skidding or spinning out, again increasing the likelihood of an accident. Our Corpus Christi defective vehicle lawyers are prepared to investigate potentially faulty tires and can determine whether a defect caused or contributed to an accident.
• Malfunctioning steering systems. The steering system of a vehicle is designed to offer the driver full control over the direction and maneuverability of the car. If this system is defective, it can cause the driver to lose control, potentially leading to a serious accident. For instance, issues with the power steering system could make it unexpectedly hard for the driver to turn the wheel, causing the vehicle to continue in its current direction despite the driver's efforts to change course. Steering column failures could also prevent a driver from properly controlling the vehicle's direction, leading to a collision.
• Defective fuel systems. The fuel system, comprising components like the fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel tank, is designed to safely store and distribute fuel to the parts of the vehicle that require it. However, defects in any part of this system can lead to dangerous situations. For example, leaks in the fuel system can cause petrol or diesel to escape. If the spilled fuel comes into contact with a heat source or spark, it can ignite and set the vehicle on fire. This risk is particularly acute in scenarios where the vehicle is involved in a collision, as the impact can result in sparks or heat sufficient to ignite the leaking fuel. Defective fuel pumps can cause similar issues: If a fuel pump is faulty, it might not regulate the fuel supply properly, leading to an excess of fuel in the engine. This can cause the engine to overheat, increasing the risk of fire, especially in the event of a crash. Poorly designed or manufactured fuel tanks can also pose significant risks. If a fuel tank is improperly designed and doesn't withstand the impact of a collision, it can rupture, leading to fuel leakage and a subsequent fire risk.
• Faulty seatbelts. Seatbelts are intended to restrain passengers, distributing the force experienced in a collision across the sturdier parts of the body such as the chest and pelvis, and preventing occupants from being ejected from the vehicle. When a seatbelt is defective, it may fail to perform these critical functions. In some cases, a faulty seatbelt may unfasten during an accident, leaving the occupants without any restraint. This may result in severe or even lethal injuries, as the unrestrained passenger could collide with the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. Furthermore, poor quality or incorrectly designed seatbelts can cause injuries in themselves, particularly if they fit improperly or apply intense pressure to sensitive areas. In extreme cases, defective seatbelts have been known to cause lacerations or deep bruising.

Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by an Auto Defect in Corpus Christi, TX?

Determining liability for an auto defect that causes injuries can be a complex process, as it often involves delving into the intricate chain of distribution associated with automotive parts. Generally, however, any entity within this chain could potentially be held liable, including the manufacturer of the vehicle or part.

The manufacturer often bears the brunt of the responsibility for auto defects that cause injuries. This includes not only the company that assembled the vehicle but also the manufacturers of the individual parts that make up the car. If it can be proven that a defect existed at the time of its manufacturing and that this defect led to the injuries suffered, the manufacturer can typically be held liable. This applies to all types of defects, whether they stem from the design of the vehicle, the manufacturing process, or a lack of adequate safety warnings or instructions. 

Car dealerships or any entity that sells a defective vehicle can also potentially be held liable. This applies to both new and used car dealers. If the dealership had or should have had knowledge of the defect and failed to disclose it to the buyer, they could be held responsible for injuries resulting from that defect.

Liability in auto defect cases is often a complex matter that requires thorough investigation and analysis. Each case is unique and may involve different potentially liable parties. At Hilliard Law, our Corpus Christi defective vehicle attorneys utilize our extensive knowledge and experience in auto defects cases to meticulously investigate and identify all parties that may be held responsible for injuries suffered due to faulty components.

What Steps Should I Take If I Believe My Injuries Were Caused By A Defective Vehicle?

If you believe your injuries were caused by a defective vehicle in Texas, taking the right steps promptly can significantly impact the success of your case.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Put your health first above anything else. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, and make sure to meticulously document all diagnoses and treatments—these records will be essential proof in your lawsuit.
2. Preserve Evidence: Leave the vehicle as it is and refrain from making any repairs until an expert has inspected it. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the vehicle. Gather any parts that might have malfunctioned or seem defective.
3. Report the Incident: Notify the appropriate authorities of the accident. This entails getting in touch with your insurance company and filing a police report. Make sure the police report accurately reflects the events of the incident.
4. Document Everything: Keep precise records of all medical procedures, costs, missed wages, and the ways in which the injury has affected your day-to-day life. A journal that documents your physical pain and mental anguish might also be helpful.
5. Consult with a Defective Vehicle Lawyer in Corpus Christi: Reach out to experienced defective vehicle attorney who specialize in handling such cases. Our team at Hilliard Law can provide a consultation to review the specifics of your case and guide you through the legal process.
6. Do Not Communicate with Manufacturers or Insurers Alone: Do not discuss the particulars of the accident or your injuries with representatives from the vehicle manufacturer or insurance company without your attorney by your side. Anything you say could be used against you.
7. Conduct a Vehicle Inspection: Your lawyer can facilitate an in-depth inspection of the vehicle by a certified specialist to determine any potential defects that could have caused the accident.

By following these recommendations and working with a seasoned Corpus Christi defective car attorney, you can make sure your rights are protected and raise your chances of getting the money you are due. Get in touch with Hilliard Law for thorough legal assistance.

Call (361) 882-1612 or contact us online today.