As we hit the open road, our vehicles become more than just machines—they become extensions of our daily lives, carrying us through the hustle and bustle of our routines. While modern automobiles are equipped with advanced safety features, it’s crucial for every car owner to be aware of common auto defects that can compromise the well-being of both the vehicle and its occupants.

In this blog, we’ll explore the ins and outs of some prevalent auto defects that could affect your driving experience. 

5 Most Common Defects in Cars

No matter the nature of a car crash, the potential for significant and severe injuries is a stark reality. Among the variety of factors contributing to these risks, certain common vehicle defects stand out as notorious culprits. Here are five of those: 

 Airbags

Airbags are crucial safety features in vehicles, designed to deploy during accidents for added protection. However, when airbags deploy unexpectedly while driving, it can pose serious risks. Defective airbags may obstruct your vision, leading to potential accidents. Moreover, if an airbag deploys with excessive force, it can result in injuries like broken arms, asthma attacks, airbag burns, hearing loss, and even blindness. The infamous Takata recall highlighted a severe issue where deployed airbags released deadly shrapnel, causing additional harm to vehicle passengers. 

Seatbelts

Seatbelts are a game-changer in car safety, a must-have when you hop into your vehicle. They’re like the superheroes of car innovations from the last 50 years. But, here’s the catch – when they don’t work right, it’s a big deal. From wonky latches to tension detectors on the fritz, any seatbelt glitch is trouble. It’s not just about you; it’s about everyone in the car being at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 3 million people get hurt every year because of seatbelt issues. The good news? Avoiding these injuries is as easy as making sure your seatbelt is doing its job every time you buckle up.

Door Latch Mechanisms

Back in 2014, the NHTSA had its eyes on door latch issues. They started digging into cases where these latches just weren’t doing their job. A significant chunk of the problem was busted door latches, and guess what? Some of these mishaps were because of defects.

The interesting part is that when it comes to faulty door latches, the legal side is a bit different. Thanks to strict liability laws, if your door latch fails because of a defect, you don’t have to prove negligence to get compensation. 

Braking System

Defective brakes aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a critical safety concern that can turn a routine drive into a potential disaster. Picture this: you hit the brakes, but your car doesn’t respond as it should – that’s a scenario we all want to avoid.

When the brake or acceleration pedals malfunction, it’s like losing control over the very thing that determines how fast you go. The warning signs of brake defects are crucial to catch early. Watch out for indicators like overheating, cracked calipers, ABS system failures, issues with parking or emergency brakes, and leaky hydraulic lines.

Tires, Windshield Wipers, and Lights

In the automotive world, even the seemingly small components play a crucial role. Take tires, for instance. If a tire decides to lose pressure or burst while you’re cruising down the road, it’s not just a flat tire; it’s a potential loss of control leading to a crash.

Then there are windshield wipers – not exactly life-threatening on their own, but if they’re not doing their job, visibility takes a nosedive. Imagine driving in heavy rain or snow without proper wiper action – not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in. 

And let’s not forget headlights and taillights. They’re not just there to make your car look good; they ensure others can see you and you can see the road. Neglecting these lights is like navigating through the dark without a compass – risky business.

Strengthen your Auto Defect Claim with a Skilled Attorney

Navigating a defective automobile claim can be like solving a puzzle, but an experienced injury attorney can help you piece it together. Building a strong case requires solid evidence, and we’re well-versed in gathering and preserving the crucial details. Think photographs and videos of your vehicle at the accident scene, coupled with documentation of any injuries – these can be game-changers.

We get it – there’s no amount of money that can truly compensate for the loss, pain, and suffering caused by situations beyond your control. If you’ve fallen victim to a car accident caused by an auto defect, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages incurred. The experienced Denver car accident attorneys at Manning Law are not only legal experts, but also advocates for wrongly injured victims.