How Do I Prove My Accident Was Caused by a Defective Part?

Request Free Consultation

To get answers to questions about your injury, contact Catalano Law for a FREE case evaluation. We’ll assess your case, explain your legal options, and recommend the next steps at no cost. We’re here when you need us.

Contact Form

General Contact Form

How Do I Prove My Accident Was Caused by a Defective Part?

When you get behind the wheel, you expect every part of your vehicle to work flawlessly, keeping you and everyone on the road safe. However, design flaws or manufacturing defects can lead to dangerous failures, putting countless drivers at risk.

From faulty airbags to braking system malfunctions, like Stellantis’s recent recall of over 300,000 Ram trucks, defective auto parts are responsible for thousands of accidents annually. To prove a faulty part caused your crash, you’ll need solid evidence linking the defect to what happened.

Discover what evidence matters most and how experienced Syracuse car accident lawyers can help you build a solid case for the compensation you deserve.

Gathering Evidence for Defective Part Claims

Collecting strong evidence is essential to prove a defective part caused your accident. Do the following to help prove your claim:

Store the Damaged Vehicle

Keep the vehicle in a secure location, like a locked garage or monitored impound lot, to ensure it stays untouched for a thorough inspection by specialists. Preserving the vehicle in its original condition is vital, as it may hold key evidence of defects or malfunctions connected to the crash. Avoid any repairs or modifications until the investigation is fully completed to protect the integrity of the evidence.

Collect Maintenance and Repair Records

Review maintenance records to verify whether the part was installed or serviced correctly. Recent repairs could uncover whether a body shop used low-quality parts or performed faulty work. If negligent maintenance contributed to the crash, particularly if the shop misrepresented the part’s quality, they may share liability for the accident.

Retrieve Recall Notices and Manufacturer Warnings

Gather recall notices and manufacturer warnings related to the defective part. Use resources like the NHTSA recall database or the manufacturer’s website to find relevant information. If a recall has been issued, it can be evidence of a known defect, strengthening your claim.

Take Photographs and Document the Scene

Capture photos of the accident scene, including the damaged part and vehicle. Detailed images can help accident reconstruction specialists analyze what went wrong.

Obtain Expert Analysis

Work with automotive experts or accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate how the defective part failed and caused the accident. These professionals can examine the component, perform detailed tests, and provide testimony to establish its role in the crash.

Product Liability Challenges

Even with evidence, proving liability can pose challenges. You must show the part was dangerous, caused the accident, and resulted from a design flaw, production error, or lack of warnings.

This can be challenging for several reasons, including:

  • Proving Where the Defect Started: You’ll need to show the defect existed before the part left the manufacturer’s hands. This can be tough if they try to argue that poor maintenance or later repairs caused the issue instead.
  • Showing the Defect Caused the Accident: To prove the defect caused your crash, experts may need to conduct technical tests, accident reconstruction, or detailed inspections of the part in question.
  • Handling Manufacturer Pushback: Big manufacturers often have strong legal teams ready to challenge evidence, dispute expert findings, or claim the defect wasn’t the real cause of the accident.
  • Figuring Out Who’s Responsible: Liability can get complicated when multiple parties are involved, such as manufacturers, distributors, and mechanics, who point fingers at each other to avoid blame.
  • Filing Within the Statutes of Limitation: The legal deadline for filing product liability claims in New York is three years from the date of injury. Missing this deadline can prevent recovery, no matter how strong the evidence.

These challenges might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. A skilled Syracuse car accident attorney who knows product liability laws can help you build a solid case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How an Attorney Can Help

A qualified car accident attorney with experience in product liability can identify the critical evidence needed to prove a defect and build a strong case. At Catalano Law, we understand how to challenge manufacturer defenses and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

Here’s how we can support you:

  • Gather and analyze maintenance, recall, and repair records
  • Coordinate expert analysis of the defective part
  • Identify all potentially liable parties
  • Handle communication with manufacturers and insurers
  • Prepare for litigation if a settlement cannot be reached

Maximize Your Compensation With Strong Legal Support

Dealing with the aftermath of a crash can feel exhausting; the physical pain, financial strain, and uncertainty can take a serious toll. You deserve a compassionate advocate who understands both the emotional and legal challenges you’re facing. Our experienced attorneys know how to build a strong case while offering the support you need to win your claim. 

If you believe a defective part contributed to your accident, contact Catalano Law for a no-obligation, free consultation so we can protect your rights and help you get a fair settlement.