Can a Car Manufacturer Be Liable for a Fatal Crash? Understanding Defective Vehicle Claims

Can a Car Manufacturer Be Liable for a Fatal Crash? Understanding Defective Vehicle Claims

• Feb 27, 2025
• Admin

Car accidents can have devastating consequences, and in some cases, a defect in the vehicle may be responsible for a fatal crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle defects contribute to thousands of accidents each year. When a car’s faulty design or malfunctioning part causes a fatal accident, the manufacturer could be held legally responsible.

Families who lose a loved one in such accidents may have legal options to seek compensation. A car accident death lawyer can help determine if a defective vehicle claim is valid and guide families through the legal process. Understanding the legal framework and what qualifies as a vehicle defect is essential for pursuing justice.

When Can a Car Manufacturer Be Held Liable?

Car manufacturers are required to ensure their vehicles are safe before they reach the market. If a defect leads to a fatal accident, they may be held responsible under product liability laws. There are three main types of defects that can lead to a claim:

Design Defects

A design defect occurs when a car or its parts are inherently unsafe, even before manufacturing. If a flaw in the vehicle’s design makes it more likely to cause an accident or fail in a crash, the manufacturer may be liable.

Examples of design defects:

SUVs with a high center of gravity that are prone to rollovers

Fuel tanks positioned in a way that increases fire risks in a crash

Brake systems that fail under certain driving conditions

Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects happen when a mistake occurs during the production process. Even if a vehicle is designed safely, errors in assembly or materials used can create dangerous conditions.

Examples of manufacturing defects:

Faulty airbags that fail to deploy or explode on impact

Seat belts that unlatch during a crash

Defective tires prone to sudden blowouts

Failure to Warn (Marketing Defects)

Manufacturers are responsible for providing clear safety instructions and warnings. If they fail to inform consumers about known risks, they may be liable.

Examples of failure to warn:

Lack of instructions on proper use of child safety seats

No warning about the risk of sudden acceleration in certain models

Failing to recall a known defective part in a timely manner

How Do You Prove a Defective Vehicle Claim?

To hold a car manufacturer accountable, a plaintiff must prove:

The vehicle had a defect – Evidence must show that the defect existed when the car was sold.

The defect caused the accident – There must be a clear connection between the flaw and the crash.

The accident resulted in death – The defect must have directly contributed to the fatality.

A car accident death lawyer can assist in gathering crucial evidence such as crash reports, expert analyses, and recall records to support the claim.

Common Defective Vehicle Cases That Led to Fatal Accidents

The Takata Airbag Recall

One of the largest recalls in history involved Takata airbags, which had a defect that caused them to explode, sending shrapnel into passengers. These airbags were linked to multiple deaths and led to massive lawsuits.

GM Ignition Switch Defect

General Motors faced lawsuits after it was discovered that faulty ignition switches could shut off the engine while driving, disabling airbags. This defect led to fatal crashes, and GM was found to have delayed the recall.

Ford’s Rollover Issues

Certain Ford SUVs were linked to rollover accidents due to their unstable design. These cases highlighted the importance of proper vehicle testing before mass production.

What Compensation Can Families Seek?

Families who lose a loved one due to a defective vehicle may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses – If the victim received treatment before passing.

Funeral and burial costs – Expenses related to laying the loved one to rest.

Loss of income – Compensation for wages the deceased would have earned.

Pain and suffering – Compensation for emotional distress.

Loss of companionship – Damages for the emotional toll on surviving family members.

A skilled accidental death lawyer can assess the full impact of the loss and help secure fair compensation.

How Recalls Impact Legal Claims?

Manufacturers often issue recalls when they discover a defect. However, a recall does not automatically protect them from liability. If a recalled vehicle causes a fatal accident, the manufacturer may still be responsible, especially if the recall was not issued promptly or if the defect had already caused harm.

Steps to Take If a Defective Vehicle Caused a Fatal Accident

If a loved one died due to a suspected vehicle defect, taking the right steps can help build a strong case:

Preserve the vehicle – Do not repair, sell, or dispose of it. The vehicle itself is crucial evidence.

Obtain accident reports – Police and crash reports provide important details.

Check for recalls – Visit the NHTSA website to see if the vehicle had a known defect.

Gather medical records – These help establish the cause of death.

Consult an attorney – An experienced car accident death lawyer or attorney can help determine the best legal course of action.

In Conclusion

When a defective vehicle causes a fatal accident, holding the manufacturer accountable is essential. Families dealing with such a loss not only face emotional pain but also financial and legal challenges. Understanding product liability laws and taking the right legal steps can make a significant difference in securing justice.

The Bendell Law Firm, PLLC provides strong legal representation for families affected by wrongful deaths caused by defective vehicles. As a trusted law firm, we fight for fair compensation and justice. With experience handling complex product liability cases in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and beyond, we guide families through the legal process with care and determination. Contact us today to discuss your case.