Many people have misconceptions about automobile manufacturing plants. They believe that most if not all elements of a motor vehicle are manufactured at the site of the plant and brought together in a finished vehicle. These types of manufacturing venues are known as automobile assembly plants. A typical motor vehicle is assembled at these locations using numerous different parts manufactured by companies at other locations. As a consequence, when car wrecks in South Carolina occur as the result of a part defect of some type, or if injuries are made more severe because of a defective part, the pursuit of a claim for justifiable compensation can prove to be a complicated task.
Types of Defective Part Situations that Give Rise to Car Wrecks in South Carolina
- Design defects
- Manufacturing error
- Improper installation
- Improper maintenance
- Combination of factors
Most Frequent Defective Parts in South Carolina Car Wrecks
The reality is that a myriad of different types of automobile cars can be defective in their design, manufacture, or installation, causing greater injury in car accidents in South Carolina. With that noted, there are certain types of defective parts that cause South Carolina car wrecks that occur with greater frequency. These include:
- Brake failure
- Sudden unintended acceleration
- Power steering failure
- Tire failure
- Airbag deployment failure
- Unintended, unnecessary airbag deployment
- Airbag deployment with too much force
- Seatbelt that unlatches during an accident
- Other types of seatbelt failure
- Roof collapse
- Electrical system defect resulting in fire
Identifying Parties Responsible for a Defective Part Car Wreck
One of the primary reasons why pursuing a claim for compensation for injuries arising from a defective part car wreck in South Carolina is the fact that multiple parties are likely to be at fault for the issue that leads to a collision or an aggravation of injuries. The parties responsible for a defective part motor vehicle accident are ascertained based upon the specific facts and circumstances of an incident. Certain parties commonly are deemed liable or legally responsible for injuries, damages, and losses stemming from a defective part motor vehicle accident:
- Part manufacturer
- Vehicle manufacturer or car assembly company
- Part designer
- Car dealership
If a replacement car part was installed on a vehicle, the list of potentially responsible parties can include the service center that replaced the part. The bottom line is that a skilled personal injury lawyer in South Carolina develops a chain of responsibility that encompasses all parties that contributed in some manner to the defective part that caused or contributed to a motor vehicle accident.
Steps to Take Directly after a Defective Car Part Motor Vehicle Wreck
There are several steps that you need to take if you’re involved in a defective part automobile accident. First and foremost, you need to make certain that your medical needs and those of other people involved in such a car accident are addressed.
- You need to contact law enforcement in the aftermath of a car accident of this type. Bear in mind that some insurance policies contain language requiring the filing of a police report following a motor vehicle accident to pursue a claim.
- Document the scene of the accident, if at all possible. This can be accomplished by taking photos or a video of the scene. The images should include damage to vehicles. Also, images should encompass injuries you and others sustained, if at all possible.
- Exchange complete contact information with others involved in the accident. Exchange insurance information as well.
- If circumstances permit, obtain names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident. If possible, attempt to obtain concise statements from witnesses in the aftermath of an accident.
Gathering this type of information in the aftermath of a car accident oftentimes is not possible. This reality is another reason that underscores the need to seek legal counsel to be certain a case is properly documented.
Promptly Consult with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in South Carolina
In a serious personal injury case, there is no substitute for a skilled, experienced, and professional legal advocate. That’s why our firm is dedicated to giving people in Columbia like you the legal assistance they need.
With a qualified and understanding Columbia, Lexington, and Orangeburg personal injury attorney from our firm fighting for you, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands. We are confident in our ability to help you. If you deserve compensation for your injuries, we will use every available tool to help you get the money you need.
Call 803-500-0000 today to talk to an auto accident lawyer now.