Auto Defect Attorneys
Fighting for Victims Injured by Auto Defects
Hundreds of vehicle recalls are typically issued each year, affecting millions of vehicles of various models. Defective automobiles not only affect the safety of their occupants but also the safety of others on the road.
If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by an automobile defect, turn to The Potts Law Firm. We believe in holding automobile manufacturers accountable for the safety of their vehicles. Our auto defect lawyers have recovered more than a billion dollars for our clients and have a complete understanding of product liability law. Our dedicated team will listen to your story, investigate what happened, ascertain liability, and walk you through all recovery options. We move quickly and will make every effort to secure the maximum compensation available in your case.
Contact us online or call (888) 420-1299 to schedule a free initial consultation if you or someone you love sustained injuries in a crash involving an auto defect. Same-day appointments are available, and we offer our services in English and Spanish.
How Do Auto Defects Happen?
Defects can manifest during a vehicle’s design or manufacturing. In many cases, a defect is baked into the inherent design of the vehicle, meaning every vehicle of that iteration will have the same, potentially dangerous problem. If a defect occurs as a result of the manufacturing process, only a select few vehicles should have the issue.
Defects will sometimes appear due to cost-savings initiatives. In other words, automobile designers and manufacturers cut corners and potentially use simplified, flawed designs. In other cases, the manufacturing or design process may be rushed, leaving room for more mistakes. Defects can even be the result of engineering errors that are not caught until vehicles have been created and distributed to consumers. No matter its origin, any defect that affects a vehicle’s drivability or safety features can trigger liability.
Our auto defect attorneys can assist you with cases involving:
- Airbag and Seatbelt Failures
- Broken Seatbacks
- Door Latch and Hood Latch Failures
- Ignition Defects and Loss of Power
- Roof Collapse and Crashworthiness
- Steering and Handling Defects
- Tire Defects
- Vehicle Fires and Fuel System Defects
Who Can Be Held Liable for Auto Defects?
Automobile manufacturers and other parties involved in the chain of distribution of automobiles and automobile components are legally required to make every effort to ensure their products are safe and dependable. They must also sufficiently warn consumers when there are any dangers, which may force them to issue a recall if an issue is known to be widespread. Should they fail to live up to these obligations, the responsible parties are potentially liable for any injuries caused by their actions (or failure to act).
If you are injured in a vehicular accident caused by a defective automobile component, you may be able to take legal action against one or more parties, including:
- The automobile manufacturer
- The automobile’s distribution company
- The defective automobile component’s manufacturer
- The car dealer and/or dealership
We often take auto defect cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Call (888) 420-1299 or contact us online to discuss your situation with one of our legal professionals.
Frequently asked questions
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Q:When Should I Hire an Auto Defect Attorney?
A:
You should always get legal advice after being involved in any type of automobile accident. If it would appear the crash was caused by a defective component – not the actions of either driver – you should consider speaking to a legal professional who is familiar with product liability and has a history of handling these cases. Always check to see if the vehicles involved are part of an active recall. A lawyer can help you investigate the circumstances of the crash and determine whether a defective component is to blame. Once liability has been determined, a legal professional can review your options.
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Q:Can You Sue a Vehicle Manufacturer for a Defective Car, Truck, or Other Vehicle?
A:
Yes. We sue vehicle manufacturers all over the country for dangerous and defective vehicles that seriously injure or even kill drivers and passengers. Victims of defective vehicle products can hold manufacturers responsible through product liability claims. Negligence in the manufacturing, design, building, or testing of a vehicle can be a basis for liability in a lawsuit.
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Q:I Was Involved in an Accident Where I Was at Fault. Can I Still File a Products Liability Claim for My Defective Automobile?
A:
Even if you caused a single-car accident, like running off the road or hitting an object, your vehicle is supposed to protect you and other passengers during a crash. If a defect contributed to the accident, you may still be able to file a claim. After reviewing your specific circumstances, we can help you explore your options.
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Q:What Are Common Vehicle Recalls The Potts Law Firm Handles?
A:
The largest North American car manufacturers – including Ford (Ford and Lincoln products), Fiat Chrysler (Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep products), and General Motors (Buick, GMC, Cadillac, and Pontiac products) – have collectively recalled millions of vehicles over the last several years. Safety defects that prompted these recalls caused death or personal injury to a tragic number of drivers and passengers. Many foreign manufacturers import cars to the United States or make some or all of their cars here. Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Lexus, Acura, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, Porsche, and Volvo have all been forced to initiate safety recalls repairing design defects and manufacturing mistakes. Our team is prepared to take on cases involving any of these manufacturers. We also handle recalls and product liability matters involving motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and semi-truck/tractor-trailers.
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Q:How Can I Find Out If I Am Affected by a Recall?
A:
Anyone can check whether their vehicle is subject to an active recall by visiting https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. Keep in mind that a vehicle could still have a dangerous defect even if it is not part of an active recall.
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Q:What Are Vehicle Recalls?
A:
Recalls are either done voluntarily by the auto manufacturer or are specifically ordered by the federal government, specifically the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA regulates automobiles through several statutes but primarily through the National Traffic and Motor Safety Vehicle Act. Recalls usually identify the root cause of the problem that represents a danger to the vehicle’s occupants or others. Recalls also recognize a solution to fix whatever is wrong with the automobile, typically at no cost to the owner. Many recalls are safety-related, but this is not always the case.
It's All About Your Recovery
Hear From Our Past Client's
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I had a wonderful experience with this law firm.
“They were able to complete it in a timely manner and were great at keeping me up to date with communication throughout the entire process. I highly recommend using this law firm if the need arises.”
- Stephen P. -
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him or any of the team at Potts.
“Michael Bins has been extremely helpful in helping us to navigate a situation with an insurance claim on a commercial property. He’s gone above and beyond in moving our case toward a positive resolution that we’re satisfied with.”
- Theo C. -
The Potts Law Firm is a powerhouse of brilliant attorneys.
“They know the law from every angle, dig deep, and will not accept anything less than what was asked in the original suit. The Potts team never backed down until the case was settled in full.”
- Molly H. -
I would recommend Potts Law Firm for any and all legal matters that come my way in the future!
“The Potts Law Firm answered all of my numerous questions in layman’s terms which is what I needed. I was able to lie back & heal from my injuries knowing full well that my obligations were being handled appropriately.”
- W. Gary -
Great law firm!
“Very responsive they would call and text me about everything going down! They helped me get through my car crash and I would greatly recommend this team!”
- Hugo G.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in an Auto Defect Lawsuit?
Each state enforces a statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits, meaning you only get a certain amount of time to take legal action against the parties responsible for your injuries. You cannot recover damages if you miss the relevant deadline, so do not wait to get legal advice.
A product liability lawsuit can help you recover compensation for monetary and non-monetary losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Keep in mind that you cannot successfully file a product liability lawsuit if you were not actually injured. For example, if you discover your steering system is defective but stop driving the vehicle before the problem causes an accident, you do not have a case. You can only recover damages if you suffer injuries because of the defect.
it's all about your best possible result
Explore our past successes-
Seat Back Failure Seven-Figure Settlement
Potts Law Firm secured a confidential seven-figure settlement against an automobile manufacturer when the client’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle causing the driver’s seat to collapse backward allowing the client to be thrown into the back seat where she received spinal cord injuries, rendering her a quadriplegic.
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Defective Airbag Seven-Figure Settlement
Potts Law Firm secured a confidential seven-figure settlement against an automobile manufacturer for the clients when their nine-year-old daughter was killed by the passenger side airbag in this low-energy collision.
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Small Statured Seat Belt Defect Confidential Settlement
Potts Law Firm secured a judgment and subsequent confidential settlement against an automobile manufacturer for a defective occupant restraint system provided for the front seat driver in a 1990 vehicle. This was a judge-tried case. After presenting evidence as to liability, the judge entered a plaintiff’s verdict.
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Auto Explosion Seven-Figure Settlement
Potts Law Firm secured a confidential seven-figure settlement against an automobile manufacturer for a defective fuel tank system. The client received 3rd and 2nd-degree burns over 60% of her body when the 2004 vehicle she was driving was hit in the rear causing the vehicle to become as witnesses describe a “fireball.”
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Defective Seat Belt Seven-Figure Settlement
Potts Law Firm secured a confidential seven-figure settlement against an automobile manufacturer for the clients when the restraint system in the subject vehicle failed to properly restrain their son in a rollover.
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Defective Seat Belt Buckle Seven-Figure Settlement
Potts Law Firm secured a confidential seven-figure settlement against automobile manufacturers when the client’s seat belt was unlatched during a collision allowing him to move forward which caused his head to impact the interior of the vehicle. The client was immediately rendered a quadriplegic.