We place our trust in automotive manufacturers to provide safe, reliable vehicles. Unfortunately, hidden defects can transform routine drives into life-altering events. From faulty airbags that fail to deploy to defective brake systems that give out without warning, these flaws create dangerous—and often devastating—situations on Texas roads. If you were injured in a car accident and believe that auto defects are to blame, you may have grounds for legal action against the manufacturer, designer, or any other party that contributed to the malfunction and a car accident lawyer in McAllen can help you.
Common Types of Vehicle Defects
Motor vehicles rely on hundreds of parts to function safely and protect occupants during collisions. Each component must meet strict safety standards and perform well under pressure. When these requirements are overlooked, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Vehicle components that may be defective include:
- Airbags that fail to deploy, deploy too late, or explode with excessive force
- Seatbelts that unlock during impact, tear unexpectedly, or otherwise fail to properly secure passengers
- Braking systems that fail suddenly, respond slowly, or lock up unexpectedly during normal operation
- Tires that experience sudden blowouts, tread separation, or rapid wear, leading to loss of control
- Windshields and windows that shatter inappropriately, separate from the frame, or fail to withstand normal forces
Who Is Liable for an Auto Defect Accident in Texas?
When an auto defect causes injury, you have the right to pursue compensation through a product liability claim. These cases hold manufacturers and other parties accountable for putting dangerous products into the marketplace. Depending on the cause of your accident, you could file a lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer, designer, distributor, or even a dealership or mechanic.
Texas law generally recognizes three types of defects:
- Manufacturing Defects: These errors occur during the production process and create dangers not present in the original design, such as using substandard materials or improper assembly techniques.
- Design Defects: The original blueprint contains fundamental flaws that make the product unreasonably dangerous, even when manufactured as intended and used as directed.
- Failure to Warn: These occur when manufacturers do not adequately warn consumers about known risks or fail to provide proper safety instructions for using the product safely.
Evidence Needed to Prove a Vehicle Defect Claim
To win compensation in an auto defect claim, you will need to demonstrate that the vehicle component was defective and caused your accident and subsequent injuries. Police reports, medical records, and photographs provide baseline evidence of how the crash happened and the injuries you suffered. However, proving liability often requires deeper investigation and more extensive resources.
An injury lawyer in McAllen can provide you with the support and connections that you need to prove your right to recovery. For example, they can enlist the help of experts who can examine the vehicle, analyze design specifications, and demonstrate how the defect caused the accident. Your attorney will also assess manufacturing records, safety test data, and recall histories to uncover patterns of negligence.
Review Your Case with De La Garza Law Firm Today
If a vehicle defect has caused your accident, you need a law firm with the resources and experience to take on major automobile manufacturers. De La Garza Law Firm has successfully handled complex auto defect cases, working with industry professionals and conducting detailed investigations to prove manufacturer liability. Let us put our knowledge to work for you. Contact us at (956) 533-1426 for a free, confidential consultation with our Texas car accident lawyers today.
