What Are the 11 Most Common Defects in New Vehicles?

Many people assume that purchasing a new vehicle would be safer than buying a used car – and they are usually correct. However, in 2014 alone, at least 63.9 million vehicles were recalled due to dangerous defects.

A defect can occur during the design, manufacture, or sale of any auto part or vehicle. Auto manufacturers are required to recall parts and vehicles that have dangerous defects. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may also issue a recall if it receives multiple reports of a defect.

Unfortunately, many drivers learn about recalls too late. If you were injured or lost a family member due to an automotive defect, you may have grounds for a claim.

Recovering fair compensation in a product liability claim is a complicated process. It starts with identifying the liable parties which, depending on the nature of the defect, could be the designer, manufacturer, distributor, or vender of the product. You will then have to gather evidence to prove liability, negligence, and the value of your damages.

This is where an experienced personal-injury lawyer can help. N. Eric Cooper is an accident attorney in Tyler who will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. He will interview witnesses, evaluate doctors’ records and the police report, and gather the necessary evidence to help you pursue the highest possible compensation. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with the Cooper Law Firm.

What Are the Most Common Automotive Defects?

The American Automobile Association estimates that the average U.S. driver travels 26 miles per day for a cumulative 46 minutes. That adds up to nearly 280 hours per year spent behind the wheel.

With so much time on the road, it’s easy to feel safe and become complacent. This is especially true if you are driving a new vehicle. However, all it takes is one defect to cause a serious accident.

Even the most established auto manufacturers have introduced defective cars to the consumer market. In 2013, General Motors recalled an estimated 26 million vehicles.

Almost any auto part can have a dangerous defect, but these 11 issues are particularly common in new vehicles:

1. Airbags that project shrapnel throughout the vehicle’s cabin;
2. Airbags that activate for no reason;
3. Brake failure;
4. Tires that bald too quickly;
5. Seat defects that prevent the driver from operating the vehicle properly;
6. Ineffective windshield wipers that do not clear debris and water from the windshield;
7. Steering wheels that detach or cease to function properly;
8. Sticking accelerator pedals;
9. Engines that stall for no reason, which increase the risk of getting in a rear-end collision;
10. Wheels that crack under pressure; and
11. Wiring systems that cause fires.

If you were hurt or lost a family member due to a vehicle defect, contact attorney N. Eric Cooper. Mr. Cooper will help you avoid mistakes such as making recorded statements to insurance adjusters, accepting a low settlement, or posting sensitive information about your case on social media.

Call 903-297-0037 to arrange a free initial consultation with an accident attorney in Tyler. If you would like to learn more about personal injury lawsuits in Texas, visit http://personal-injury.usattorneys.com/texas/.