We depend on cars every day, rarely thinking something could go wrong. Unfortunately, motor vehicle accidents are a major cause of serious injury and death in West Virginia and nationwide. And although we hear about cars being recalled often, we usually don’t see the injuries and accidents that led to those recalls. If you were in an accident and suspect a defective part was the cause, contacting a WV car defect lawyer will start you on the path to getting the financial compensation you deserve.
Why Do You Need a WV Car Defect Lawyer?
Automobile companies manufacture their cars almost exclusively using robots on automated assembly lines. Most people assume their cars are free of defective auto parts and are well-built, precise, and always up to standards, but every year, manufacturers recall automobiles for defects that cause serious harm to innocent consumers.
Due to the high expense of a recall, many manufacturers only recall defective automobiles after someone is injured or killed, even if they were aware of the defect beforehand. Because manufacturers are more concerned with the bottom line than consumer safety, contacting a defective auto parts lawyer when you suspect defective parts are to blame is often necessary to receiving a proper money settlement or jury award.
For example, 19 different automakers recalled tens of millions of cars and trucks for faulty airbags in one of the biggest auto recalls to date. The recall only went forward after numerous deaths and injuries, including the death of one West Virginia man. Airbag manufacturer Takata was allegedly aware of dangers its product posed to consumers. Defective auto parts lawyers filed class action lawsuits against Takata across the country to get justice and fair compensation for the people injured or the families of those killed.
How Do I File a Claim with a WV Car Defect Lawyer?
If you suspect faulty car parts were the cause of an accident in West Virginia, your first step should be to contact a defective auto parts lawyer for a consultation. While there are WV laws protecting you, the defective car parts lawyers the Mountain State has to offer understand the exact steps to take when pursuing negligent auto manufacturers.
However, it will help your case to have as much information as possible before filing the claim. If you’re injured and you suspect a defective part is to blame, here are some steps you can take to be proactive:
- Identify the suspected faulty part.
- Identify the manufacturer of that part or parts.
- Detail how the defective part led to an accident and your injury.
- Keep detailed records of trips to the emergency room, doctor visits, and police reports, including all dates and signatures.
- Take pictures of your automobile and the crash scene, including the affected part or parts.
If you are unsure of what you need or you are missing information, don’t assume you can’t file a claim. Reaching out to a WV car defect lawyer can clear up confusion and concern.
What Are Some Common Defective Auto Parts?
While there are thousands of automobile parts that can be faulty and lead to accident and injury, the most common are the following:
- Airbags
- Tires
- Seat belts
- Brakes
- Headlights
If you suspect these parts or any others were defective and led to a malfunction or accident, follow the steps outlined above. If you are unsure which part was the cause of your accident, an experienced defective car parts lawyer can help.
How Should I File a Claim?
If you were injured in a car accident, you do not have to go through this complicated and overwhelming experience alone. Reach out to the Law Offices of Kelly R. Reed and speak to an experienced WV car defect lawyer who can get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 304-292-2020 or send us a message online to schedule your free consultation.