When a car accident occurs due to a defective vehicle, the legal process can be complex at Anidjar & Levine, our Jacksonville car accident lawyer is experienced in handling these challenging cases.
Defective vehicles can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, and pursuing compensation requires a detailed investigation, expert analysis, and careful handling of legal claims against manufacturers, distributors, or repair entities. Read on to learn more about how lawyers handle cases involving defective vehicles in Jacksonville.
Identifying Vehicle Defects
The first step in handling a defective vehicle case is identifying the specific defect that caused or contributed to the accident. Defects can include faulty brakes, airbags, steering mechanisms, tires, electronic systems, or manufacturing flaws.
Our lawyers carefully review the circumstances of the accident, vehicle history, maintenance records, and repair logs to determine whether a defect played a role.
We often work with engineers and automotive experts to inspect the vehicle and identify any mechanical or design failures. These professionals provide detailed reports explaining how the defect caused the crash or worsened the injuries sustained. Their findings are important for establishing liability against manufacturers or other responsible parties.
Lawyers Handle Cases Involving Defective Vehicles in Jacksonville By Investigating the Accident Scene
Even in defective vehicle cases, the accident scene provides valuable information. Our team visits the crash location to document road conditions, vehicle positions, and other relevant factors.
We photograph and video the scene, noting skid marks, debris, and environmental hazards. This on-site investigation helps reconstruct how the accident occurred and determines whether the vehicle defect directly contributed to the crash.
Collecting evidence at the scene is especially important when multiple factors, such as road conditions, driver behavior, or weather, may have influenced the accident. Our lawyers ensure that all relevant details are preserved and accurately documented to support the defective vehicle claim.
Reviewing Vehicle and Manufacturer Records
In defective vehicle cases, manufacturer and maintenance records are essential. We obtain the vehicle’s service history, recalls, technical bulletins, and previous repair documentation to understand whether the defect was known or addressed. If the manufacturer issued recalls or warnings about the defect, we use this information to establish negligence or liability.
Our team also examines manufacturing processes and design documentation when available. This helps determine whether the defect resulted from poor engineering, inadequate testing, or a failure to meet industry safety standards. Detailed analysis of these records strengthens our clients’ claims and provides the court or insurance companies with clear evidence of liability.
Working with Automotive and Engineering Experts
Expert testimony is often a deciding factor in defective vehicle cases. Our lawyers collaborate with automotive engineers, safety specialists, and accident reconstruction experts to explain complex technical details in a clear and persuasive manner. These experts analyze vehicle design, component failures, and crash data to demonstrate how the defect contributed to the accident.
By integrating expert findings into our case strategy, we provide authoritative evidence to support claims against manufacturers, dealerships, or repair shops. This collaboration ensures that courts or insurance companies fully understand the impact of the defect and the resulting injuries.
Gathering Medical Evidence and Assessing Injuries
In any car accident case, but especially in defective vehicle claims, medical evidence is critical. Our lawyers collect medical records, diagnostic reports, and treatment plans to document the injuries sustained. We assess both immediate and long-term impacts, including rehabilitation needs, permanent impairments, and ongoing medical care.
Medical documentation helps establish the connection between the defective vehicle and the resulting injuries. Our lawyers handle cases involving defective vehicles in Jacksonville by ensuring that courts and insurance companies understand the full extent of physical, emotional, and financial damages, which is essential for securing fair compensation.
Determining Liability and Filing Claims
Defective vehicle cases often involve multiple parties, including manufacturers, distributors, dealerships, or repair shops. Our lawyers carefully evaluate all potential defendants and determine who is responsible for the defect and resulting injuries.
We then file claims against the appropriate parties, presenting detailed evidence of the defect, accident circumstances, and medical impact.
Liability in these cases may be based on strict product liability, negligence, or breach of warranty. Our team ensures that every legal avenue is explored and that the claim is filed in a timely manner in accordance with Florida’s statutes of limitations.
Negotiating Settlements and Preparing for Trial in Jacksonville
Many defective vehicle cases are resolved through settlements. Our lawyers negotiate with insurance companies and manufacturers to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care. We use the evidence gathered from the scene, vehicle records, expert reports, and medical documentation to support our clients’ claims.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial. Our lawyers handle cases involving defective vehicles in Jacksonville by presenting evidence persuasively, calling expert witnesses, and advocating for our clients in front of a judge and jury.
This comprehensive approach ensures that our clients’ rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.
Understanding the Role of Recalls and Safety Notices in Jacksonville
In defective vehicle cases, recalls and safety notices often play a significant role. If the manufacturer issued a recall or warning related to the defect, failing to address it may demonstrate negligence. Our lawyers obtain and review recall records, technical service bulletins, and safety notices to determine whether the defendant was aware of the risk.
This information can significantly strengthen a claim by showing that the manufacturer had knowledge of the defect and failed to take adequate measures to prevent accidents. Courts and insurance companies give weight to this evidence when assessing liability and compensation.
Learn More About Lawyers Handle Cases Involving Defective Vehicles in Jacksonville
At Anidjar & Levine, our Jacksonville defective vehicle lawyers combine crash scene analysis, thorough review of vehicle and manufacturer records, collaboration, and careful documentation of injuries to build strong cases.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a defective vehicle, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to investigate your case, hold responsible parties accountable, and protect your rights.