Toyota's Liability for Car Accidents

Car companies like Toyota and Ford can be held responsible for car accidents if it is proven that a defect in the vehicle caused the accident. Vehicle defects can cause you to lose control and crash. Under product liability laws, manufacturers and dealers are liable for damages caused by defective vehicles and vehicle parts. Injury victims can file a lawsuit against the car company for compensation.

We guide you on what to do if you’re involved in a vehicle defect accident. Contact a local motor vehicle defect lawyer for legal advice about your next steps.

Overview of Automaker Liability in Car Accidents

Manufacturers are responsible for injuries caused by defective products. Car companies are liable for accidents caused by vehicle defects or defective parts. Generally, there are three types of product liability defects:

• Manufacturing defects
• Design defects
• Failure to warn defects

Manufacturing Defects

A manufacturing defect is when a car or car part is not manufactured according to the approved design. For example, a vehicle airbag system was designed to work in a variety of environments. The car company used cheaper airbag parts that could prematurely explode in hot and humid environments. If the airbag suddenly deploys, causing an accident, the car company is liable for its manufacturing defects.

Design Defects

A design defect occurs when the design of the vehicle is unreasonably dangerous. The factory manufactured the vehicle according to the design. However, it’s still unreasonably dangerous because the design was unsafe. 

For example, a seatbelt rubs against a sharp metal edge every time the driver pulls the strap to buckle up. Over time, the wear on the seatbelt causes it to lose strength. It could snap in a car accident. The car company is responsible for injuries caused by the seatbelt’s defective design.

Failure To Warn

Car companies must warn drivers about the unexpected risks of using their products. Many SUVs have a higher risk of rollover accidents because of their high center of gravity. Most SUV drivers don’t know their vehicle is more likely to have a rollover crash. SUVs now come with a warning to let you know about the rollover accident risk.

Common Defects Leading to Car Accidents

Many types of vehicle defects put drivers and passengers at risk. Some vehicle defects increase the risk of fatal auto accidents. Common examples of auto defects include:

• Tire defects
• Floor mat defects
• Defective airbags
• Seatbelt malfunctions
• Seat recline defects
• Defective brakes
• Electrical system defects

Examples of Defective Cars and Accidents

Toyota is one of the world’s most trusted car manufacturers. From 2009 to 2011, the automobile company recalled more than eight million vehicles. These Toyota vehicles included the Prius, Camry, Tacoma, and Lexus models. The recalls came after multiple people reported serious accidents caused by unintended acceleration.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigations found safety problems. There were problems with defective floor mats and accelerator pedals. During the recall, the dealerships reconfigured gas pedals, replaced floor mats, and installed a brake override safety feature.

Legal Process for Filing a Lawsuit Against Automakers

A product liability lawsuit is a type of personal injury claim. In a product liability case, the injury victim holds the automaker liable for selling a defective vehicle. You can file a vehicle defect claim against the car manufacturer, distributor, or dealer. The injury victim is the plaintiff, and the car companies are the defendants.

You have a limited time to file a product liability case against the car company. The statute of limitations only gives you a certain amount of time to file the lawsuit. If you file your case too late, the court can dismiss your claim. The statute of limitations depends on state law. Talk to a vehicle defect lawyer as soon as you can to make sure you file your case in time.

Proving Motor Vehicle Design and Manufacturing Defects

Proving the vehicle had faulty design or manufacturing problems is very technical. The average person doesn’t have the experience to understand manufacturing standards and design alternatives. In these cases, you’ll generally use an expert witness to support your case.

Personal injury lawsuits use experts to help the juror understand the evidence involved. Engineers and manufacturing experts can review the evidence and come up with an expert report. They can explain to the jury why the vehicle is defective and how the defect caused the accident.

Steps To Take After a Vehicle Defect Accident

After a vehicle defect accident, get medical care for you and your loved ones. Head and neck injuries can be difficult to diagnose. Getting early treatment can help you avoid more severe injuries later.

Talk to a car defect injury lawyer about your legal options. If it is proven that a vehicle defect caused the accident, the carmaker may be liable for your expenses. A vehicle defect lawyer can file a product liability claim against the dealer and automaker for compensation. A lawsuit can help you get money for your medical bills, lost income, and mental distress.

If a family member died because of a defective car part, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to help him or her get justice. A wrongful death claim helps provide for dependents after the loss of a loved one. Compensation includes loss of financial support, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. Contact a local motor vehicle defect lawyer for more information about your legal rights.