When you are driving, the last thing you expect is to be involved in an accident. However, you may be even more surprised to learn the cause of the accident wasn’t human error, but rather defective car parts. Knowing the collision could have been avoided if the appropriate parties demonstrated more care can be devastating, especially when you’re left to bear the pain and suffering. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you must know about your legal options and why it’s in your best interest to connect with a Broward County personal injury attorney who can help you navigate these complicated matters to hold the negligent party liable.

How Do Defective Car Parts Cause Accidents?

Vehicle defects can result in a direct collision as a result of the defective part or condition, or render an otherwise survivable accident drastically more dangerous. In Florida, common defects generally impact critical safety systems like brakes, airbags, power steering, and fuel systems.

In accordance with product liability law, there are generally two primary types of defects that impact motor vehicles: manufacturing and design defects. Design defects render a product inherently unsafe, even if it is manufactured correctly, whereas manufacturing defects only impact certain products and occur when there is a deviation from the intended safe design during production.

Design Defects

  • The flaw exists as part of the blueprint or engineering design
  • Every vehicle produced using the design will be defective
  • The risk associated could have been reduced with a safer design
  • Recalls often occur following widespread reports of injury
  • The product can pass inspection while posing a significant risk

Manufacturing Defects

  • Brake system failures
  • Power steering malfunctions
  • Airbag deployment failure
  • Fuel system leaks
  • Seatbelt malfunctions
  • Defective door latches
  • Faulty wiring
  • Tire tread separation

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Car Accident in Florida?

Under Florida product liability law, manufacturers can face strict liability in the event a defective vehicle or system results in injuries. Strict liability means that the injured party does not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent; instead, they must simply prove the vehicle was defective. This legal standard often applies in instances where brakes, steering, or airbags fail.

Vehicle Manufacturer

  • Responsible for safe design and oversight of vehicle production
  • Can face liability for defective engineering or failure to recall
  • Accountable in the event that safety testing is determined to be inadequate
  • May face strict liability even without proving negligence

Parts Manufacturer

  • Liable in the event that a component they are responsible for is independently defective
  • May share fault with the automobile manufacturer
  • Can face liability if quality control failure caused the production of unsafe parts

Dealership or Distributor

  • Can face liability for selling a recalled vehicle
  • Can be held responsible if they did not remedy known safety defects
  • Can face liability if they failed to inspect the vehicle before its sale

Mechanic or Repair Facility

  • Can face liability for improper installation of parts
  • Can be responsible for negligent repairs
  • May be partially liable if post-repair failure results in a collision

Other Negligent Drivers

Florida adheres to a modified comparative negligence system. As such, if another driver caused the collision, but the defect worsened your injuries (such as failure to deploy airbags), both the driver and the manufacturer or other party can be liable.

  • Liability can be divided between the negligent driver and the party responsible for the defect
  • Compensation can be reduced if you are found to have contributed to the collision in any capacity

What Must Be Proven in a Florida Product Liability Claim?

It’s important to understand that product liability claims require considerable evidence to succeed. In general, you must be able to demonstrate that the defect caused or contributed to the injury you sustained and the subsequent damages incurred as a result.

Key Elements Needed to Prove Liability

  • The vehicle or part was defective
  • The defect existed at the time it left the manufacturer
  • The defect directly caused or worsened injuries
  • The vehicle was being used as intended

Preservation of the vehicle is incredibly important in proving defect claims.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Defective Vehicle Claim in Florida

Florida law, like all states, imposes a statute of limitations for civil claims. In general, those injured in Florida will have two years from the date on which the accident occurred to seek compensation for the damages they’ve suffered. Failure to file within this timeframe can result in a permanent bar on recovery, even if the defect is apparent.

How Do Federal Recalls Impact Defective Vehicle Claims in Florida?

Federal investigations and recalls can impact product liability claims by showcasing known safety concerns.

How Recalls Can Strengthen a Case

  • Highlights the manufacturer’s awareness of the defect
  • Demonstrates prior safety warnings
  • Provides investigative findings from the NHTSA
  • Supports evidence of unsafe manufacturing practices or designs

Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today

Recovering compensation in these matters can be incredibly complex, which is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney. When you are hurt, you can trust the Finizio Law Group to help. We understand how devastating these accidents can be, which is why we are dedicated to fighting on your behalf for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.