Aggressive Legal Representation from Experienced Phoenix Auto Defect Lawyers
Serving the drivers and passengers of Phoenix and across Arizona
When you get into your automobile and hit the streets, you have every expectation that each part of your car will perform in the way that it was meant to operate. While normal wear and tear may impede your car’s performance, serious design and manufacturing defects can put you, and everyone traveling the roadways around you, at significant risk. You have every right to assume that the makers of your vehicle performed their jobs in a reasonably adequate manner, but unfortunately that assumption is sometimes incorrect. Auto defects cause serious accidents on the roadways of Arizona, leading to fatalities and severe injuries.
Since 1991, Plattner Verderame, P.C. has provided honest people with the quality legal representation they need to secure compensation from large automobile manufacturers. We have helped numerous victims of auto defect accidents, and we can help you too. Don’t be afraid to seek the justice you deserve. Our skilled Phoenix defective product attorneys are on your side to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Can you sue a car manufacturer for a defective auto part?
Yes, you can – but it depends on the circumstances of your case. Some auto defects aren’t apparent at first; there might have been an issue with the manufacturing process, or an unintended consequence from a change in materials – any number of problems, really. If the manufacturer discovers the issue, informs the public, and then acts in good faith to fix it, then you may not always have a viable claim. In order to bring a successful claim, however, you need to show that:
- The manufacturer knew there was a problem, and didn’t do anything to fix it before the cars went out to the public, or
- The manufacturer knew there was a problem, and didn’t recall the cars, or
- The manufacturer knew there was a problem, and attempted to cover it up, or
- The manufacturer learned of the problem, and didn’t recall the cars once they went out to the public no attempt to fix older and newer versions of the cars.
In other words, you have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. If a car is recalled for a defect, and the owner of that car chooses not to get it fixed, then he or she may not be able to make a claim.
Which auto defects are the most common?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “a safety defect is defined as a problem that exists in a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment that:
- Poses a risk to motor vehicle safety, and
- May exist in a group of vehicles of the same design or manufacture, or items of equipment of the same type and manufacture.”
They use the word “defect” to mean “any defect in performance, construction, a component, or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.” So, if your tires wear out with normal use, and one blows out while you’re on the road, this is not considered a safety defect. But if your gear shifter suddenly moved from brake to reverse, as was the case with the actor Anton Yelchin in 2016, it is considered a safety defect, and the cars would need to be recalled.
Some auto defects are more common than others. They include:
- Steering wheels that suddenly malfunction
- Accelerator defects that cause the car to speed up on its own
- Tire defects that lead to tread separation or uneven wear and tear
- Airbags that deploy with too much force (like Takata’s), at the wrong time or not at all
- Seats that fall down for no reason, crushing passengers
- Seatbelts that fail to stay locked
- Defective brakes
- Faulty fuel lines (which can potentially cause car fires)
Whether your injuries were caused by negligence in the manufacturing of your vehicle or the design of your vehicle, a successful case for compensation requires thorough investigation. Our experienced Phoenix auto defect attorneys have the skills and resources to provide a comprehensive investigation into the cause of your injuries.
Skilled litigators who fight for the rights of injured victims
Accidents caused by auto defects can be extremely violent, especially when the defect involves the brakes or inadequate tires. Some of the most common resulting injuries include:
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Loss of limb
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we work with medical professionals who will review the extent of your injuries and provide honest assessments about the level of medical treatment you need now and in the future. We use this information to prepare a strong case on your behalf. Our attorneys treat every case as if it is going to trial. This high level of preparation places pressure on defendants to settle for a high dollar amount.
We are a group of capable attorneys with a reputation for quality litigation skills in the courtroom. Our knowledgeable Phoenix product defect lawyers are not afraid to stand up against car manufacturers who put profits over the safety of their customers and their families. Extensive amounts of research and testing goes into the design and manufacturing of a vehicle, so there is no excuse for decisions that fail to address unreasonable risks.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys handle a variety of cases, including:
Contact our Phoenix auto product defect attorneys today
Find out why other personal injury lawyers in Arizona and across the country have relied on us for years to handle the most complex cases. Product defect cases are handled on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we secure a settlement of verdict on your behalf. There is no reason not to call us today. Call Plattner Verderame, P.C. at 602-266-2002, or complete our contact form to discuss your auto defect claim with a knowledgeable Phoenix injury lawyer.