Defective Vehicles
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Defective Vehicle Lawyers in Minneapolis
You rely on vehicles and their safety equipment to protect your life in case of an accident. But what happens when these products fail to perform their intended function or, worse yet, cause harm on their own? In serious or catastrophic injury cases, all theories of liability must be investigated. In certain situations, you may be entitled to seek significant compensation from the manufacturer of these defective products.
The best way to establish liability and determine if you have cause to file suit is through a free case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys.
Case Quick Facts
Equipment That Can Be Defective
- Seat belts and buckles
- Head injury protection and restraints
- Electronic stability control
- Traction control
- Frame design
- Autonomous driving features
- Airbags
- Anti-lock brakes
- All-wheel drive
- Rollbars
- Tires
Child car seats and restraints may fall under the category of defective vehicle safety equipment as well. If your child has been injured by a defective car seat, we will investigate its faulty parts, identify the liable party, and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
The Injuries
The injuries in a vehicle lawsuit can be various. Not only could you receive a range of physical injuries, but there could also be a financial, mental, and emotional cost.
Who Is Liable?
Determining the liable party for injury caused by a defective vehicle component depends on several factors. The vehicle’s manufacturer may be liable, but so too might a third-party company or contractor. This is but one of many reasons you need an experienced attorney on your side from the moment you are injured in an accident. The car and/or equipment must be preserved and inspected, otherwise a case may not be possible.
Can I Trust the Manufacturer?
Sometimes a manufacturer or an insurance company may call and ask if you would allow them to take a vehicle or product to “inspect.” Please do not agree to let them do this. Auto manufacturers and parts companies have top legal teams and insurance companies working on their side to ensure the profitability of their company. Our lawyers are here to protect you against the tactics employed by these companies.
These cases are extremely complex and require significant resources and an extensive knowledge of engineering, design, quality control, physics, accident reconstruction, and the law. Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC regularly receives referrals from attorneys around the country to evaluate and litigate their client’s product liability cases.
Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC Can Help
Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC is here to help you. We care about defending the innocent when an accident happens to them. They are at little to no fault, and it is important that they are compensated fairly for their inconveniences and pain.
True Story
“Al” was a married father of two living in northern Minnesota. It was still dark outside as he drove to work early one morning. Suddenly, a horse that had broken through its fence ran directly in front of his car. Having had no warning, Al was unable to stop and ran into the horse. The horse then fell onto the car’s roof, its weight causing the roof to collapse and crush Al. Among other injuries, Al sustained a broken neck, which ultimately resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic. Al’s family hired Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC to investigate this case. We obtained Al’s vehicle and immediately put it into storage to preserve all evidence. We then had it inspected by a national expert, who determined that had the vehicle been built to appropriate standards, the “A pillars” that made up the roof’s support would not have collapsed. We commenced a suit against the car manufacturer on a “crashworthiness theory,” and against the farmer for improper fencing. After extensive litigation, we were able to obtain a significant confidential settlement for Al and his family.
Why Choose Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC?
If you find yourself considering a defective vehicle lawsuit, our team is here to help. We have years of experience working with cases involving vehicles and equipment, and when you combine that experience with our passion for helping others, you get a skilled and dedicated team of lawyers that is ready to serve you.
If you are sick of worrying about things regarding your case, contact us today.
Motor Vehicle Recalls
Most Americans drive or ride in a motor vehicle — car, bus, etc. — every single day. We all know the roads are dangerous because other drivers speed, switch lanes without looking, and use their phones while driving. But did you know that your own vehicle could pose a risk to you too? It can.
Defective Vehicles Can Be Extremely Dangerous
The most famous vehicle recall in recent years is the Takata airbag recall. Takata airbags have been recalled because in the event of a crash, the airbag deploys with too much force, and shoots little pieces of metal out into the driver and any passengers.
Takata airbags are used in the following companies’ vehicles:
- BMW
- Ferrari
- GM
- Jaguar/Land Rover
- Mercedes-Benz
- Nissan
- Toyota
- Chrysler
- Ford
- Honda
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi
- Subaru
- Volkswagen
So far, 11 drivers have been killed by their Takata airbag, and 184 have been injured.
Another startling vehicle recall involves Maserati SUVs, which are being recalled for spontaneous engine fires.
Has Your Vehicle Been Recalled?
Sometimes vehicle recalls make the news, and sometimes they don’t. It can be hard to stay in the loop, especially when it comes to recalls that aren’t widely publicized. So, how can you stay up to date on vehicle recalls? Here are two options.
- Search Online: This is a good way to learn about recalls if you are just curious on occasion and don’t mind spending five minutes searching for information. First, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website. Then, all you need to do is enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model. It will tell you how many times that model of vehicle has been recalled, investigated, and formally complained about. You can even watch videos of crash tests performed on your vehicle and see its safety ratings.
- Sign Up for the Email Newsletter and Check Your Email: This is a good way to learn about recalls if you don’t want to have to search for recall information, and you’re fine getting an email from the NHTSA now and then. First, go to the NHTSA website. Next, go to the Recall Notification Email System Signup page. Then, enter your email address. You will be emailed recall information as it becomes available.
Chances are good that someday a vehicle you own or drive will be recalled. Hopefully, you are never hurt as a result of a recalled vehicle. If you are, consider seeking an attorney who will stand up for your rights.
Defective Tires & Car Accidents
When a tire blowout occurs, it can cause the driver to lose control and result in a motor vehicle accident.
Although many flat tires are caused by sharp objects in the road, others are the result of defects, design flaws, and mistakes on the part of the manufacturer. In fact, millions of defective tires have been recalled in the past decade alone, all from the largest tire companies in the nation — including Goodyear, Firestone, Michelin, and more. Tires are often sold long past their expiration dates, and old tires can create unnecessary risks for drivers.
There are many different types of potential tire defects, including:
- Tread separation
- Poor quality control
- Sidewall zipper failures
- Bead failures
- Failed tire adhesion
- Shredding
- Deficient skim stock
- Sale after the expiration date
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident caused by a tire blowout, make sure you get all the facts about why it happened.
Please contact Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC online or call (800) 903-1643 to schedule a free case evaluation. We represent injured accident victims in Minneapolis and throughout the state of Minnesota.
Defective Vehicle Liability: Introduction
We use vehicles every day and put a great deal of trust in their ability to get us to each destination safely. Unfortunately, the dozens of moving parts that make a vehicle go don’t always perform their intended function and at times can malfunction. When this happens, it can put the driver and others on the road at risk of serious injury. Vehicle part malfunctions often occur from wear and tear or improper maintenance, but sometimes can occur because the part is defective.
When it comes to determining the liability in an auto accident caused by a defective part, there are many factors to consider. In some cases, a vehicle’s manufacturer or a third-party company or contractor may be held liable for the defective part. Some of the common defective vehicle parts include tires, airbags, seatbelts, and accelerators.
Defective vehicle part cases are very complex, and vehicle manufacturers or third-party contractors have top legal teams and insurance companies working for them to ensure they are not found liable. That’s why you need an experienced attorney handling your case. At Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, we have over 38 years of experience in defective vehicle litigation. We have helped recover millions of dollars for clients injured in automobile accidents.
Contact us and leave the sleepless nights to us.
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