Yes. In some cases, you can file a claim against the manufacturer of a vehicle that malfunctions and causes an accident or injury. You may need to prove that the product was defective and contributed to your damages in order to prevail in a product liability claim. Manufacturers can be liable for defective parts, defective designs, or failure to provide adequate warnings that cause injury to a driver or passenger.
Austin Auto Defect Lawyer
Trusted Auto Defect Attorney in Austin, TX
Vehicle defects can cause accidents even when drivers obey traffic laws and use reasonable care. Brake failures, steering defects, airbag issues, and tire problems can contribute to crashes or exacerbate injuries during otherwise survivable accidents. At The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, our Austin auto defect lawyer may determine if the way your vehicle was designed, manufactured, or equipped with safety devices contributed to your accident.
Advocating for Injured Motorists at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC
Attorney Stephen W. Stewart and his team at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC advocate for those injured in motor vehicle accidents in Austin and nearby communities. Our firm has helped thousands of accident victims in their claims.
The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC offers 24/7 availability to injured clients and works on a contingency-fee basis for personal injury claims. This means you do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call today to speak with an auto defect lawyer who investigates defective auto products and handles claims involving preventable injuries.
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Common Types of Automotive Defects
Dangerous vehicle defects are often responsible for accidents on Austin roadways like Interstate 35, MoPac Expressway, U. S. Highway 183, and State Highway 71. Some defects affect motorists’ ability to operate their vehicles safely. Others involve problems with equipment designed to keep occupants safe during collisions. Examples of automotive defects include:
- Brake issues that fail to allow motorists to stop the vehicle
- Steering defects that affect drivers’ ability to maintain control of the vehicle
- Airbags that fail to deploy when necessary or deploy without cause
- Defective tires that are prone to tread separation or blowouts
- Seat belts that fail to keep occupants safely secured during crashes
- Electrical problems that can lead to fires or vehicle shutdowns
Manufacturers can potentially be liable for defects that exist when the vehicle leaves the factory. Not all vehicle malfunctions are defects. Auto defect investigators consider whether the problem was introduced during manufacturing, caused by an inherently unsafe design, or caused by lack of maintenance or improper repairs.
Texas Auto Defect Laws and Product Liability
Product liability claims involving cars and trucks are typically governed by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 82. Faulty manufacturing, unsafe designs, or a failure to warn about predictable risks can all lead to product liability claims.
The law contains the usual requirements for design defect claims under Texas law. Most design defect cases require proof of an alternative design that would have been safer. To succeed in a case, those making claims need to show the defect directly led to their injuries. Texas courts also consider whether the product was unreasonably dangerous.
Section 16.012 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code provides a general 15-year statute of repose that applies to certain product liability claims. This statute includes several statutory exceptions, but it operates separately from the typical two-year statute of limitations for personal injury accidents. If you recover evidence of a vehicle defect, an attorney can typically use that evidence to prove liability in your auto defect case.
Vehicle recalls issued by the federal government highlight how common automotive defects can be. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 1,073 safety recalls impacted over 35 million motor vehicles and pieces of equipment in 2024. Over 29 million motor vehicles were recalled in 2024. Safety recalls do not equate to the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by defects, just increased risk.
Hire an Auto Defect Lawyer
Auto defect lawyers can help accident victims understand whether a defect played a role in their accident. Your attorney can have your vehicle inspected by a third-party mechanic and preserve electronic data that might otherwise be lost.
It can be difficult to obtain documents directly from manufacturers about the way vehicles are built. Auto defect lawyers know how to obtain this information from manufacturers and dealerships. Lawyers can also work with automotive engineers who can explain exactly how and why defects cause accidents.
An Austin auto defect attorney can also look into past complaints about similar components. Product liability cases sometimes involve multiple manufacturers who may be responsible for compensation. Finally, your attorney can evaluate your insurance coverage to identify companies that may be responsible for providing benefits.
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FAQs
The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC Can Help
Auto defect cases often require complex investigations and technical proof of how the defect occurred. At The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, we help accident victims investigate defective autos. Contact us today to speak with an Austin auto defect lawyer.
Austin, TX Auto Defect Resources
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