Houston Auto Defect Attorneys
Fighting to Recover Compensation for Victims Injured by Auto Defects in Houston, TX
When you get behind the wheel of your car, you expect it to perform as designed. After all, driving on a busy roadway comes with inherent risks, and you depend on your car’s safety features to function correctly should you ever get into a collision. Sadly, auto defects impact millions of vehicles every year. Recalls are meant to catch issues before they lead to tragic consequences, but there are inevitably situations where an undetected defect will endanger a driver and others on the road.
If you suffered injuries in an accident that appeared to be caused by some sort of vehicle defect, Potts Law Firm can offer the dependable, aggressive representation required to hold responsible parties accountable. Our Houston auto defect lawyers frequently handle these cases and have recovered over $1 billion for our clients. After reviewing the details of your situation, we can investigate the cause of the accident, determine who is liable, and review your recovery options. No matter the complexity of your circumstances, we are committed to delivering the best possible outcome and will always seek to maximize the value of your claim.
You pay no legal fees unless we win, so call (713) 348-9638 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation today. We offer same-day appointments and provide our services in English and Spanish.
On This Page:
- The Impact of Auto Defects
- Types of Auto Defect Claims We Can Help With
- How Dangerous Auto Defects Happen
- Who Is Liable for an Auto Defect in Texas?
- What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
- Can I File a Products Liability Claim If I Caused a Car Accident?
The Impact of Auto Defects
Auto defects can have far-reaching consequences, affecting various aspects of individuals' lives and leaving a lasting impact on their well-being.
- Injuries and Fatalities: One of the most distressing outcomes of auto defects is the occurrence of personal injuries and fatalities. When vehicles have inherent flaws or faulty components, accidents are more likely to happen, resulting in harm to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe consequences such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even loss of limbs. In the worst cases, auto defects can lead to fatalities, robbing families of their loved ones and causing immeasurable grief.
- Property Damage: In addition to the physical harm caused by auto defects, there is often significant property damage and financial losses involved. Defective vehicles can cause collisions, resulting in extensive damage to the vehicle itself, as well as other properties involved in the accident. Repairing or replacing damaged vehicles can be expensive, and individuals may also incur costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Furthermore, the inability to work due to injuries or fatalities can result in lost wages and financial instability for affected individuals and their families.
- Long-Term Health Issues: Beyond the immediate consequences, auto defects can also have long-term health effects. Survivors of accidents caused by defective vehicles may face chronic pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. Some injuries may require ongoing medical treatments, surgeries, or therapy, leading to a significant physical, emotional, and financial burden. Moreover, certain defects, such as those involving airbags or seat belts, can exacerbate injuries and potentially lead to long-lasting impairments or complications.
- Phycological and Emotional Toll: The psychological and emotional impact of auto defects should not be overlooked. Being involved in an accident caused by a defective vehicle can be a traumatic experience, leaving individuals with emotional scars that may persist long after the physical injuries have healed. Survivors may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions. The fear of driving or being in a car again can be debilitating, impacting one's daily life and relationships.
Recognizing and addressing these impacts is crucial not only for the affected individuals but also for the development of safer vehicles and the prevention of future incidents.
Types of Auto Defect Claims We Can Help With
Our Houston auto defect attorneys are ready to advocate for you in claims involving:
- Airbag and Seatbelt Failures
- Broken Seatbacks
- Door Latch and Hood Latch Failures
- Ignition Defects and Loss of Power
- Roof Collapse and Crashworthiness Issues
- Steering and Handling Defects
- Tire Defects
- Vehicle Fires and Fuel System Defects
How Dangerous Auto Defects Happen
Defects in automobiles can occur at the design or manufacturing stage of the vehicle production process. There are instances where a vehicle’s design or the design of a specific component is inherently defective, meaning the flaw will impact all vehicles that use that design or component. These design flaws can trigger widespread flaws when the problem is discovered. In other cases, manufacturing errors or other problems at a manufacturing facility can lead to issues with a select number of vehicles.
Auto defects are often the result of ill-advised efforts to cut down on costs. A manufacturer might use insufficient materials or a flawed (but cheaper) design to increase profit margins at the expense of reliability and safety. Manufacturers may also rush the production process to meet quotas, potentially resulting in a greater degree of carelessness and raising the likelihood of critical errors.
The bottom line is auto defects are not random acts of chance. Someone (whether it be an individual or organization) is always responsible for the existence of a defect, and they can be held legally accountable when the problem causes injuries.
Who Is Liable for an Auto Defect in Texas?
Automobile manufacturers, manufacturers of automobile components, and other participants in the manufacturing and distribution of vehicles have a legal obligation to deliver safe products. These parties must do everything in their power to verify dependability and proactively warn consumers about any known dangers. That is why vehicle manufacturers must issue recalls when they learn an auto defect is present.
Manufacturers and other parties who owe you and other consumers a duty of care do not always live up to this responsibility. They may fail to issue a timely recall or otherwise warn you about problems that may affect your vehicle’s drivability and safety. If you suffer injuries due to these failures, you may have a case against one or more liable parties.
Depending on the circumstances, any of the following parties could be liable for the injuries caused by an auto defect:
- The vehicle’s manufacturer
- The manufacturer of the defective vehicle component
- The vehicle’s distribution company
- The car dealer or the dealership that sold you the defective vehicle or vehicle component
Contact us online or call (713) 348-9638 to discuss your case if you have sustained injuries due to any kind of auto defect.
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 highly recommend Adam and Potts Law Firm
“From the first meeting, Adam made me feel like he had my best interest at heart and took care of everything. I can't say enough good things about how helpful, professional, and caring Adam was to me.”
- Mary 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
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in an Auto Defect Lawsuit in Houston, TX?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of an accident to take legal action against liable parties. If you do not file a lawsuit before this deadline, you will be barred from recovering any damages, so do not wait to discuss your case with Potts Law Firm. If a loved one died in an accident caused by an auto defect, qualifying survivors will have two years from the date of their passing to file a wrongful death claim.
Our Houston auto defect lawyers will work to get you compensation for all economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
You can only recover damages for an auto defect if you suffered injuries due to that defect. If you learn some component of your vehicle is defective but do not get into an accident because of it, you do not have a case. Manufacturers are required to repair or replace defective components or vehicles, so if you discover an issue or learn your vehicle is affected by a recall, stop driving your vehicle until you can get the problem addressed.
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.