Any faulty car part can increase the risk of traffic accidents. Victims of these incidents can appeal to strict liability laws, where it is not mandatory to prove who in the chain of the part’s creation is responsible for the defect. What is important for compensation, is to prove that a defective part is indeed the cause for injuries that occurred. Here is a list of the ten most defective components that can cause people harm.
1. Door Latch
The mechanism of a door latch is a common defective car part. When it breaks down, it can put the occupants of the vehicle in danger. If this happens during an accident, the consequences can be even more serious, impeding occupants from getting out, or leaving them exposed, if the doors open. Some of the most common defects of the latching systems are:
- Handles open during an accident
- No safety latch
- Latches open during a crash
- Broken handles
2. Tires
Tires need to be checked periodically before hitting the road. If you notice that they are uneven, or underinflated make sure to fix the problem before going on the road. Defective tires are among the leading causes of traffic accidents. Also, if you are purchasing a used vehicle, make sure to check the state of the tires.
3. Steering Elements
The failure of the steering mechanism can lead to extremely dangerous situations. The chain of entities possibly responsible for the defect is long: manufacturer, designer, people who installed it. For strict liability law, it is not crucial to identify where in the chain the defect has occurred and who is responsible for it. It is enough to prove that the defective part did cause the injury.
In this situation, the best thing to do is contact an experienced car accident lawyer. Sink Law P.A. Injury lawyers cover a wide range of personal injury cases, including motorcycle wrecks. They are a reputable legal consultancy firm in the Georgia and South Carolina area. Find out more about Sink Law P.A. Injury Lawyers and what they can do for you.
4. Electrical System
An electrical system malfunction can spark a fire in the vehicle. To avoid such underlying dangers, take your car for regular check-ups and maintenance. Also, make sure to have an expert look at your freshly purchased car to detect any defective pieces.
5. Brakes
Brakes are crucial for road safety. Hitting the break-in time can save lives. However, if the part is defective, it may take a longer time for the vehicle to stop, or it might not even stop. Some common break defects include fast wear-out and cracked calipers.
When brakes malfunction, the driver is no longer in control of the vehicle. In some cases, faulty brakes caused a car to quickly turn to one side of the road, ending with the auto rolling over. When these car parts malfunction, it can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
6. Fuel Pump
Fuel from the storage tank is transported through a fuel pump to the engine. Several other car parts participate in this process. This makes it a difficult task to pinpoint the component that is causing the problem. Here are the main symptoms by which you can narrow down the issue to the fuel pump:
- Speeding or carrying a heavy load cuts off the power of your car.
- Inconsistencies during acceleration.
- Overheating of the engine.
7. Airbags
Airbags are supposed to deploy upon impact to decrease the injuries of the driver and passenger. So, when they fail to do that, the victims of a crash incur more serious injuries. A faulty airbag can also deploy when it is not necessary and thus cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and possibly crash.
8. Seat belt
Using this safety restraint is a legal requirement in vehicles since it is a measure that can save lives. Upon impact, a seat belt holds the body in place, diminishing the risk of injury. When this car part is defective it can lead not only to harm but also death. People who have been injured on account of a faulty seat belt often qualify for compensation.
9. Windows
Defects in the windows of a vehicle may decrease the visibility of the driver. Therefore, carefully check that the windows have no cracks, holes, or any other signs. Also, check that the windshield wiper functions properly. These are a particularly important component, as they help clear your vision when driving in heavy rain or snowfall.
10. Headlights and Taillights
Headlights and taillights are essential in signaling your presence and intentions to other drivers. What is more, they help light your way in conditions of low visibility. Therefore, make sure to check the lights of your vehicle before getting behind the wheel.
Focus on Prevention
The best way to avoid any injury or damage linked to defective car parts is through regular and thorough checkups of the vehicle. Also, when purchasing a car, be that used or new, have an expert examine it for any faulty components.
Author’s Bio Sarah Douglass
Sarah Douglass has been writing all her life. What started as a passion soon became her life goal. At such a young age, she has already faced and overcame many obstacles. The instinct she developed through her life experience is coupled with an in-depth knowledge of the legal field. Sarah sees writing as a means to connect to others and help them overcome hard times.
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