An auto manufacturer or dealer may be liable for injuries caused by faulty or defective products. The law identifies three general kinds of defects. A design defect refers to a flaw in the plans or designs for a vehicle or part that renders it entirely unfit for its intended use. A manufacturing defect refers to an error during the production or assembly of a vehicle or part that prevents it from functioning as it should. A marketing defect involves a product advertised for an improper and potentially dangerous use. Manufacturers are liable for injuries and other damages caused by defects that they know or should know about.
Recently, Toyota Motor recalled 2.77 million of their cars throughout the world for problems with their water pumps and for a defect in their steering shafts that could lead to faulty steering. In the United States alone, 670,000 Toyota cars are being recalled for the steering shaft defect. U.S. models that are affected include the Prius hybrid, Corolla, and Wish that were produced between 2000 to 2011 in Japan and between 2000 to 2009 overseas. This most recent recall is in addition to their recall of 7.43 million cars a month earlier. That recall was for a faulty power-window switch which posed the risk of fire.
Auto manufacturers recall their vehicles when they identify a problem, but accidents and injuries still occur. The manufacturer could be liable if a defect caused an accident.
The attorneys at Goldman & Daszkal can help you assess damages and assert your rights.