Auto Defect Lawyers in Los Angeles

Defective vehicles and faulty components such as tires and brakes seriously injure and kill thousands of Americans every year. Federal law requires auto manufacturers to report a safety defect within five days of learning about the defect. Automakers have a duty and a legal responsibility to manufacture vehicles that are safe for consumers. When auto components or safety features in a vehicle are defective, the consumer can no longer count on the vehicle to protect him or her in the event of a crash.

The Los Angeles auto defect lawyers at Bisnar Chase have represented individuals who have been severely or catastrophically injured as a result of vehicle defects. We have represented victims who lost loved ones as a result of auto defects and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars. Call our experienced auto defect attorneys in Los Angeles for a FREE consultation.

Financial Resources To Win Tough Los Angeles Cases

Our law firm has the financial resources and trial experience to conduct independent investigations and testing to be used in a case. You need a strong team of passionate personal injury lawyers who have had a successful track record of holding large automakers accountable. Rather than just search for 'auto defect lawyer near me', find one with the financial resources and experience to win cases. We are a team that is dedicated to making the world a safer place for consumers. If you have been seriously injured or have lost a loved one as the result of a defective auto in Los Angeles, please contact us at 323-238-4683 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Examples of Safety Defects In Vehicles

Not all defects or malfunctions in vehicles are safety defects. Here are just a few examples of what are classified as safety defects in automobiles:

• Problems with engine, fuel system or fuel leaks that could potentially cause fires.
• Sticky accelerator pedals that could lead to sudden or unintended acceleration.
• Car seats or seat-backs that could fail or collapse unexpectedly during normal use or in low-impact collisions.
• Airbags that fail to deploy or deploy suddenly and unexpectedly.
• Seatbelts or seat restraint systems that fail to protect occupants in the event of a crash.
• Wheels that crack or break resulting in loss of vehicle control.
• Steering components that fail or break causing loss of vehicle control.
• Software or electronic glitches that could lead to loss of vehicle control or safety systems deactivating.
• Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly.
• Child safety seats that contain faulty belts, buckles or other components that could create a risk of injury or death.
• Brake failure.
• Tire blowouts.
• Carbon monoxide leaking into passenger cabin.

How Do I Know If I Have An Auto Defect?

You know when you are experiencing an auto defect if suddenly become unable to perform a normal task related to the vehicle that could potentially put you in a hazardous situation or inflict personal injury or wrongful death.

How Complicated Are Auto Defect Cases?

Auto defect cases require intense attorney-labor and aggressive negotiation. Automotive defect cases can be against large corporations who have very large amounts of money to put into their attorneys and cases. Large automotive makers and corporations have an endless list of liabilities towards the innocent lives that put their good faith and trust into these companies, and must be held fully accountable for any defects, recalls and negligence that is consistent with their doing, especially when it inflicts minor, severe injury and or death.

Do I Have To Be Injured To Take On My Auto Defect Case?

Yes, there must be injuries present in order to pursue an auto defect case. Simply Having a vehicle that falls under an auto defect recall doesn't mean you were entitled to any money; however you are entitled to have the vehicle fixed free of charge.

Do I Have A Timeline To Contact a California Injury Attorney?

It's always best to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Time will be essential in your case as there is a statute of limitations for filing a claim. These time frames can vary by state so be sure to check with an attorney. In California, the statute of limitations for a car accident is two years, however it's three years for property damage.

What should I Look For In Hiring An Attorney To Represent Me In An Auto Defect Case?

You'll want to hire an attorney who has a lot of experience dealing with defective autos. Those can be difficult cases to pursue and an attorney highly experienced in the area will be the best option for winning your case.

If you believe that your vehicle or a vehicle part may be faulty, it is crucial that you report it to NHTSA to get the problem fixed. NHTSA often receives similar reports from other drivers about products that are defective. This could indicate that a safety-related defect exists. In such cases, NHTSA opens an investigation. The agency would initiate an engineering analysis if the complaints are valid and eventually ask the manufacturer to issue a recall and fix the safety issue. Filing a complaint with NHTSA, however, is an important first step.

There are several ways in which you can do this. You may call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or 1-800-424-9393 toll free from anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to register complaints or receive recall information about a vehicle. You could also report a vehicle safety issue at NHTSA's web site, safercar.gov. Or you may send a letter to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (NVS-210), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

Manufacturing Versus Design Defect

Auto defects could occur during the design or the manufacturing process. A design defect occurs when the product or a part of it is designed erroneously. To determine if a vehicle's design was defective, it may be necessary to look into the product's blueprint or original design. If it is reasonably foreseeable that the design could harm vehicle occupants, the manufacturer of the vehicle can be held liable.

Manufacturing defects occur during the assembly or the actual production of the vehicle. In such cases, plaintiffs must show that the defect was present when the vehicle was manufactured and that he or she properly used the product. In other words, the plaintiff must show that the car accident and resulting injuries would not have occurred but for the faulty part.

Preserving Evidence In Your Auto Defect Case

The vehicle is the most important piece of evidence in an auto defect case. So, it is important that the vehicle that is suspected of being defective or malfunctioning is preserved unaltered so that an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions and design flaws. When such evidence is misplaced, lost or destroyed, there is very little opportunity for the plaintiff to pursue a case and hold the at-fault parties accountable. It is also important that injured victims maintain a log of all their expenses including medical bills, cost of medication, rehabilitation, medical devices, lost income and any other loss that was incurred as a result of the injury.

Get Legal Help In Los Angeles

If what we've described here sounds like you may have a case contact our Los Angeles Auto Defect Attorneys for free information about your rights, how to file an injury claim and for award winning representation. You may schedule an interview in our Los Angeles office or we will come to you if your injuries prevent travel. We have a 96% success rate and have served Los Angeles since 1978. Call 323-238-4683