Des Moines Auto Defect Attorney
Auto Defects in Iowa
You shouldn’t have to worry that an important part of your vehicle may malfunction when you’re on the road. Unfortunately, negligence on behalf of auto manufacturers, designers, and repair centers may cause dangerous auto defects. These defects can, in turn, cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles or lead to a malfunctioning safety feature, resulting in severe injuries and even wrongful death.
If you have suffered as the result of an auto defect in Des Moines, a car accident lawyer from LaMarca Law Group, P.C. can help you file a claim to pursue justice and receive compensation for your injuries and related expenses. With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys have what it takes to go up against major auto manufacturers and pursue the justice you deserve.
Call our office today at (515) 705-0233 or contact us online to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos español.
Auto Defect Cases We Handle
Auto defects can endanger the life of the driver, as well as others on the road. If a negligent auto manufacturer knows about these defects and fails to issue a recall, they can be held responsible for any resulting injuries or loss of life. Often, manufacturers and other liable parties can even be held legally liable when they have issued recalls.
At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., we handle a wide range of auto defect cases, including those involving:
- Tire blowouts
- Defective airbags
- Brake defects
- Seat belt defects
- Defective child car seats
Product liability cases for auto defects can be difficult to navigate alone, but a Des Moines auto defect lawyer can make the process much easier and help fight to ensure that you receive compensation for any suffering.
Who Is Liable for Auto Defects?
Auto defect cases are very complex for several reasons, one of the most prominent being the issue of liability. Often, to determine who is liable for a specific defect, our team will investigate what type of defect the part in question had.
There are three types of defects:
- Design defects
- Manufacturing defects
- Labeling/marketing defects
When a product has a defective design, it does not work as intended or it is unreasonably unsafe for normal use. For example, an SUV that rolls over easily may have a defective design. In contrast, a manufacturing defect occurs when a product has a safe, proper design but is not manufactured correctly. This might include things like seatbelts that are improperly installed in a vehicle, airbags that do not employ on impact, or engines that are missing parts.
Lastly, a labeling or marketing defect refers to issues with how a product is marketed and whether it is missing important safety information. For example, if a tire does not have necessary markings indicating the optimal PSI (pound-force per square inch), a user may over- or under-fill it, causing the tire to blow out. This would be an example of a labeling defect.
By determining the type of defect, our attorneys are typically able to establish who is liable. Depending on the specifics of your case, the liable party may be the manufacturer, designer, distributor, or some other person or entity.
Determining Whether an Auto Defect Contributed to or Caused an Accident
Another issue that makes these types of claims so complex is the difficulties associated with determining that an auto defect did, indeed, contribute to or cause an accident. After all, while it may be obvious that a drunk driver who slams into another vehicle caused the crash, it is much less obvious when a defective engine part causes a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
One way to tell that a defective part may have played a role in your accident is determining whether your vehicle or any part of your vehicle has been recalled. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an automobile recall database you can search. You will need to know your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number), which you can find on the lower left-hand side of your vehicle’s windshield or on your vehicle’s registration card.
Our Des Moines auto defect attorneys are also happy to assist you in determining whether an auto defect played a contributing role in your accident. In fact, we investigate all car accident claims exhaustively in our efforts to leave no stone unturned and no possible avenue of compensation unpursued. We have extensive experience in this area and often work with a team of experts to compile a clear, comprehensive picture of what happened and, most importantly, who is liable.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
At LaMarca Law Group, P.C., our auto defect lawyers are dedicated to helping individuals hold manufacturers, distributors, and auto companies accountable for their negligence. If you or someone you love has suffered because of an auto defect in the Des Moines area, we can help you fight for fair compensation. We have a proven record of success and are available 24/7 to take your call.
Contact us online or by phone at (515) 705-0233.
