Auto Product Liability Lawyers in San Francisco

Seek the Compensation You Deserve After a Car Accident

If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident due to inherent defects within an automobile’s design or the failure of a part, such as a tire, seat belt, airbag, engine, or fuel tank, you might have an automotive products liability case for which you can pursue compensation.

Our San Francisco auto defect attorneys at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn have resolved thousands of cases in the Bay Area, helping our clients secure more than $500 million in compensation to help them recover and move forward. You deserve a lawyer who will fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Call us today at (415) 940-7176 to get started on your case with a free consultation. We handle automotive defect cases throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area.

The Basics of an Auto Products Liability Case

Auto product liability cases have a tendency to be complicated, given the different variables involved.

They typically involve one or more of the following elements:

• Design defect: This type of claim alleges that a product was designed by a manufacturer in a way that rendered it unsafe, creating a danger and risk of harm to the user. For example, if a manufacturer placed a fuel tank in an area where it would be prone to breaking or causing fires, this design would be considered defective. The product was not made poorly, but hazardous in its design.
• Manufacturing defect: The design was not dangerous, but rather an error was made during the manufacturing process, which caused the product to fail when in use. For example, if a tire manufacturer used substandard practices that resulted in components of the tire separating and failing later while being used, this would be a manufacturing defect case.
• Warning defect: Some products are not dangerous by design, but simply do not contain adequate warnings or instructions that inform the user of its risks and proper usage. For example, if a manufacturer knew of the problems associated with a particular vehicle, but did not advise consumers of those problems through labels or instructions, this would be a warning defect case.

Who is Liable for a Defective Vehicle Accident?

It is possible for your case to involve multiple defendants since there are multiple participants involved in the chain of distribution. The chain of distribution includes:

• Manufacturer: This is typically a large company, which will have more money to compensate you for your injuries, but will also be capable of mounting an intimidating defense.
• Parts manufacturer: If a part in your vehicle was defective, such as the battery or tires, the manufacturer of the part should be included in your lawsuit, in addition to the manufacturer of the vehicle. If you purchased the part separately, however, such as replacement tires, you would only hold the parts manufacturer liable and not the manufacturer of the vehicle.
• Car dealership or supply shop: Whoever sold the vehicle or defective part might be liable for your injuries, even if you were not the actual buyer.
• Used car dealer: If you purchased a used car, the dealer who sold it might be liable for injuries and damages sustained, though this is an area of law that is still being developed.

If the defective vehicle did not belong to you, you might still have a valid product liability claim.

If you borrowed someone’s defective car, for example, or were injured by a defective car being driven by someone else, you could file a lawsuit against any number of the defendants listed above.

If you were driving a defective car and the accident also involved a negligent driver, that might add another facet to your case, and you might be able to file a negligent driving claim against the other driver.