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Most car accident claims focus on driver negligence. But sometimes the other driver isn’t the only one responsible for a car crash. When a vehicle defect or a faulty part contributes to a crash or makes injuries worse than they should have been, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of that product may share liability. These cases add a layer of complexity that most people don’t anticipate, but they can significantly affect the compensation available to seriously injured victims.
How Product Liability Works in a Car Accident Context
New Hampshire product liability law holds manufacturers and sellers responsible when a defective product causes harm. In the context of a car accident, that means if a vehicle component failed in a way that contributed to the crash (or worsened the resulting injuries), the parties responsible for that product may hold legal liability.
There are three main theories under which a defective vehicle claim can be pursued:
- Design defect: The product was inherently dangerous because of how it was designed, even when manufactured correctly
- Manufacturing defect: The design was sound but something went wrong during the production process, creating a dangerous product
- Failure to warn: The manufacturer knew about a risk associated with the product but didn’t adequately inform consumers
Each theory requires different evidence and a different approach to building the case. See Thibault v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 118 N.H. 802, 807 (1978).
Common Defects That Contribute to Car Accidents and Injuries
Vehicle defects show up in car accident cases more often than most people realize. Some of the most frequently litigated include:
- Brake failures resulting from defective components or design flaws
- Tire defects including tread separation and blowouts
- Steering system failures that cause loss of vehicle control
- Airbag malfunctions, either failing to deploy or deploying incorrectly
- Seatbelt failures that allow occupants to be ejected or improperly restrained
- Rollover susceptibility in vehicles with design flaws affecting stability
- Defective acceleration systems
In some cases the defect caused the accident itself. In others the accident would have happened regardless, but the defect made the injuries far more severe than they should have been. Both scenarios can support a product liability claim alongside the standard negligence claim against the at-fault driver.
Who Can Be Held Liable
Product liability claims in New Hampshire can reach multiple companies in the supply chain. The manufacturer of the vehicle or the specific component is the most obvious target, but liability can also extend to:
- Parts manufacturers who supplied defective components
- Distributors who handled the product before it reached consumers
- Dealerships that sold or installed defective parts
- Repair shops that improperly serviced safety-critical systems
Identifying the right defendants requires understanding exactly what failed, why it failed, and where in the supply chain the failure originated. That analysis typically requires expert involvement early in the process. A Windham car accident lawyer with experience in product liability cases knows how to bring the right experts in to support a personal injury claim.
Evidence That Makes These Cases
Defective vehicle cases are evidence-intensive. The physical vehicle is often the most important piece of evidence, and preserving it in its post-accident condition is critical. Don’t let the vehicle get repaired, sold, or scrapped before an expert has had the opportunity to inspect it.
Other evidence that typically matters includes:
- Recall notices and technical service bulletins related to the vehicle or component
- Manufacturing and quality control records
- Expert engineering analysis of the defect
- Medical records connecting the specific injuries to the defect rather than just the collision
- Documentation of similar complaints or incidents involving the same product
Federal databases maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration track vehicle defects and recall histories, and that information can be valuable in establishing a pattern of known problems.
How This Affects Your Overall Claim
Adding a product liability defendant changes the dynamics of your case. You may be dealing with a large corporation with significant legal resources, which is a different situation than a claim against an individual driver. But it also means potentially accessing larger insurance policies and deeper pockets than a standard car accident claim involves.
Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. has represented seriously injured New Hampshire drivers in complex car accident cases for almost fifty years. The firm understands how to investigate claims, retain the right experts, and pursue all available sources of compensation on behalf of injured clients.
If you suspect a vehicle defect played a role in your accident, speaking with a Windham car accident lawyer as soon as possible is prudent. Make sure to document and preserve all evidence until you can receive legal advice from an experienced attorney.