If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident or experienced injuries due to a motor vehicle defect, contact Freedman Law. Our experienced Fresno motor vehicle defects attorneys will protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Firm to Represent Your Case?
Here is why you can trust our Fresno motor vehicle defects lawyers with your case:
Experienced and Knowledgeable: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling motor vehicle defect cases, and we stay updated on the latest laws, regulations, and industry standards related to automotive safety.
Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your needs and well-being throughout the legal process. Our attorneys will provide personalized attention, clear communication, and compassionate support, ensuring you are informed and involved every step of the way.
When you choose a motor vehicle defects attorney to handle your case, you can expect comprehensive legal support tailored to your specific circumstances, including:
Investigation
A Fresno personal injury lawyer will assess the details of your accident and investigate the vehicle defect thoroughly. This can include visiting the scene, analyzing photos and videos of the scene, speaking to witnesses, collecting police reports, maintenance records, vehicle inspection reports, expert opinions, and any available recall or defect information. This evidence will help strengthen your claim.
Industry Network
Motor vehicle defect attorneys often have a network of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, and medical professionals, whom they can consult to solidify your case. These experts can provide valuable testimony and support, lending credibility to your claims and helping establish the link between the defect and your injuries.
Claim Preparation and Negotiation
A skilled attorney will handle all aspects of preparing your claim, including filing necessary paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and advocating for your rights. In addition, they will fight for a fair settlement that compensates you for your total losses.
Representation in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an experienced trial attorney will not hesitate to take your case to court. They will aggressively represent your interests, presenting compelling arguments and evidence to seek the best possible outcome for you.
Common Types of Motor Vehicle Defect Cases
We handle cases related to various types of motor vehicle defects, including but not limited to:
Manufacturing Defects
These defects occur during the production or assembly of a vehicle, leading to malfunctions or safety hazards. Examples include faulty brakes, defective airbags, steering system failures, or engine defects.
Design Defects
Design defects refer to inherent flaws in the vehicle’s design that make it unsafe for normal use. These defects may affect the overall safety of the vehicle or specific components—for instance, a car’s tendency to roll over, an inadequate crash structure, or roof strength.
Marketing Defects
Also known as failure to warn defects, marketing defects occur when manufacturers fail to provide proper warnings or instructions regarding potential risks associated with their products. For example, if a manufacturer fails to warn consumers about a particular vehicle’s tendency to catch fire, they may be held liable for injuries resulting from such incidents.
Who is Liable for Accidents Caused by Motor Vehicle Defects?
Determining liability in an accident caused by a vehicle defect can involve multiple parties, depending on the specific circumstances. However, here are the key parties that could potentially be held liable:
Defects Caused by the Auto Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the vehicle or the specific defective component may be liable if the defect occurred during the manufacturing process or if there was a design flaw that rendered the vehicle or component unsafe.
Defects Caused by the Distributor or Retailer
In some cases, the distributor or retailer of the vehicle or component may share liability. For instance, if they had knowledge of the defect or should have known about it but failed to take appropriate action, such as issuing recalls or warnings.
Defects Caused by a Repair Shop or Service Provider
If a defect arises or worsens due to negligent repairs or maintenance performed by a repair shop or service provider, they may be held liable for any resulting accidents or injuries. This can occur if the repairs were performed incorrectly or the service provider failed to address a known defect.
Defects Caused by Government Entities
In certain situations, government entities responsible for vehicle safety regulations and standards could be held liable. This may occur if it can be proven that the government agency was aware of a specific defect or hazard but failed to take appropriate action, such as issuing recalls or enforcing safety standards.
Types of Compensation Available in a Motor Vehicle Defects Claim
After a motor vehicle defect accident, various types of compensation may be available to victims, including:
Medical Expenses: Compensation can be sought for all past, current, and future medical expenses related to the accident. This includes costs for hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, etc.
Lost Wages: If you must miss work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and benefits.
Diminished Earning Capacity: If you suffer a permanent impairment or disability that impacts the level of income you can earn now compared to before the accident, you can recover compensation for the difference.
Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
Loss of Consortium: If the accident and injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or partner, compensation can be sought for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
Punitive Damages: In some instances where the defendant’s (at-fault party’s) actions are deemed particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded as punishment and to deter similar behavior
The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on the unique facts of your case. For example, when providing an estimate, an attorney will consider various factors such as the severity of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life, the extent of pain and suffering, the defendant’s degree of negligence, the strength of evidence against the defendant, and more.
Contact A Motor Vehicle Defects Lawyer in Fresno Today
Arrange a free consultation with a knowledgeable Fresno Motor Vehicle Defects Attorney. We are here to fight for your rights and help you obtain the necessary justice and compensation. Call (559) 447-9000 or send us a message online today.
