If a defective car caused the Tampa accident, you could hold a car company, a parts manufacturer, or a mechanic responsible for your losses. While reckless drivers or bad road conditions are the primary cause of crashes, there are instances in which the tires, brakes, or other parts are faulty—and the driver doesn’t even know it until it’s too late.
A Tampa car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the liable party after a defective car part caused a crash. Determining fault in these cases and dealing with insurance companies representing the auto shop or manufacturer can be challenging. But with a skilled attorney by your side, they can handle those tasks, allowing you to focus on getting better.
Determining If A Defective Car Caused Your Tampa Accident
Your attorney will investigate the crash to determine its cause. That investigation will involve gathering evidence like the crash report, maintenance records, and diagnostic test results of the defective car. They may find that the collision resulted from:
- Defective parts
- Poor vehicle or car part design
- Improper installation of a part or accessory
- Failing to publish a recall for a known issue
The car manufacturer, a parts manufacturer, or a mechanic might share responsibility for the crash. However, we must establish their negligence to hold them accountable for the consequences. To prove their fault, we will apply the standard of negligence to your case. It consists of these four parts:
- Duty of care: The mechanic or manufacturer must ensure the car and its parts were built to spec, in good condition, and installed correctly.
- Breach of duty: The other party failed to fulfill this responsibility,
- Causation: A car accident resulted from this negligence.
- Damages: You suffered injuries that harmed you financially, physically, and emotionally.
Each of these components must exist for you to be eligible for compensation.
Common Car Defects That Could Trigger An Accident
Because cars have so many components that work together, there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong. Even an issue with one tiny part can affect the entire car. Some defects that could lead to an accident include the following:
- Airbags: If airbags deploy in a minor crash or when they shouldn’t, the driver or their passengers might suffer injuries. Alternatively, if they don’t deploy during a severe impact, they may also be at risk of catastrophic injuries.
- Tires: Worn, improperly installed, or incorrectly sized or inflated tires could pop or quickly go flat. A blowout can be especially dangerous on the highway, or anywhere drivers travel at high speeds.
- Seatbelts: Seatbelts keep your body in place on impact. However, if your belt comes loose or fails to engage, you could suffer chest trauma, soft tissue injuries, or broken bones on impact.
- Roof: In the event the car rolls over in an accident, the roof must remain sturdy and strong. If it collapses, all car occupants might sustain life-altering—sometimes fatal—injuries.
- Brakes: The mechanic might not have detected worn brakes, or the manufacturer could have produced defective brakes. Either could result in being unable to stop in time to avoid a high-speed collision.
Gas tanks, electrical wiring, steering wheels, or accelerators might also malfunction due to improper installation or production. If more than one party had problems that led to the crash, a Tampa personal injury lawyer can work with experts to identify them and hold each party liable accordingly.
Damages You Can Collect If A Defective Car Caused The Tampa Accident
Accidents caused by a defective car can result in severe injuries. Medical bills can pile up. You may have to miss time from work frequently. Your injuries may make it difficult to enjoy the activities you once did. It’s only fair that you receive a settlement or judgment that helps make up for these losses.
Forms of compensation you may qualify for include:
- Medical care costs for doctor’s appointments, surgeries, medical aids, medications, imaging scans, or the ambulance
- Lost income if miss time to recover from your injuries or must take off from work for doctors’ visits
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t earn as much money due to the limitations your injuries impose
- Property damage expenses for repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Mental anguish if your psychological health has taken a turn due to the trauma of the accident
- Pain and suffering to account for the physical discomfort and pain your injuries have caused you
Wrongful Death Damages After A Crash Due To Defective Cars
Victims might not survive their injuries because defective car crashes can be severe. In that case, the surviving family members may benefit from compensation that accounts for the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering, end-of-life medical care costs, and loss of consortium, society, and companionship.
A Tampa wrongful death lawyer from our firm can help you determine which family members can receive compensation and what types they receive.
How A Lawyer Can Help After A Defective Car Accident In Tampa
It’s essential to get responsive legal help that serves you after you or a loved one sustains injuries in a crash. You want an attorney who will go the extra mile and take all the legal burdens off your shoulders. That way, you have the time and space to get back on your feet.
Tasks your car accident lawyer might assume on your behalf include:
- Getting the crash report
- Compiling evidence
- Determining liability
- Speaking with insurance adjusters
- Protecting your rights
- Interpreting legalese
- Negotiating a settlement
Make sure you get started on your case as soon as possible. Florida Statutes § 95.11 imposes a two-year timeline for filing most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Your lawyer can help you meet the deadline if you contact them immediately after the crash.
Call Our Team Today If A Defective Car Caused Your Tampa Accident
Take back control of your life today after a Tampa accident caused by a defective car. Call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a free consultation. Our attorneys work on contingency, so you’ll pay nothing upfront to discuss how to fight for the money you deserve.
