Pasadena Auto Product Liability Lawyer
Attorney Represents People Injured by Automobile Defects in Pasadena
Pasadena is a world-class city with famous sites, including the Castle Green and the Pacific Asian Museum. Such attractions mean more people and, inherently, more driving. The need to be careful is heightened in such areas. But when an injury worsens due to a car defect, there are more steps to consider taking to ensure you receive the right compensation.
If you’re in Pasadena and you’ve been injured in an accident caused by auto defects, you have the right to pursue compensation to cover the cost of your injuries, such as lost wages and medical bills. You don’t need to tackle this alone.
At Vardanyan Law Firm, Ruben Vardanyan has dedicated our legal practice to helping people who’ve been injured by the negligent actions of others. We have won millions of dollars in settlements for our clients, and Ruben Vardanyan belongs to the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. He has also been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research.
Call (747) 777-9725 to schedule a FREE consultation with a Pasadena defective product lawyer today.
Loved working with this firm. Not only are they professional, but they build a personal relationship with you. They are on top of your case and they strive to get you the best treatment and results for your case. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone! Trust the process!
- Kathy M.
What Is Considered Automobile Product Liability in Pasadena?
Automobile product liability refers to the legal liability of manufacturers, distributors, and sellers for defects in vehicles or vehicle components that cause harm. California consumer protection laws are based on the strict liability doctrine, which allows victims to claim damages without proving negligence. To file a successful product liability lawsuit, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the product had a defect and this defect caused their injuries. Breach of warranty claims can be pursued if a product fails to meet the terms of its express or implied warranty.
Multiple parties along the supply chain can be held liable for injuries caused by defective parts:
- Manufacturers
- Marketers
- Parts suppliers
- Vehicle sellers
- Vehicle distributors
Types of Vehicle Defects That Cause Injuries
Automobiles are composed of several different systems that must perform correctly to protect drivers from injury. Types of vehicle defects that lead to catastrophic injuries include:
- Tires are a common cause of serious car accidents. Defects such as tread separation can result in sudden blowouts, causing drivers to lose control of the vehicle. When a tire fails at high speeds, the risk of a rollover increases dramatically, especially in vehicles with a higher center of gravity like SUVs and trucks. Rollovers are particularly hazardous as they can lead to severe injuries or fatalities due to roof crush or ejection from the vehicle.
- Defective braking systems significantly compromise vehicle safety, often resulting in severe accidents. Brake system failures result in reduced stopping power, uneven braking, or complete brake loss, increasing the likelihood of a collision. These defects might occur due to manufacturing errors, inadequate materials, or design flaws within the braking components.
- Steering system defects lead to a loss of vehicle control as drivers struggle to maintain directional stability. Issues such as power steering failure or misaligned steering components can cause abrupt changes in vehicle trajectory, heightening the risk of accident.
- Airbag defects include non-deployment during an accident or unexpected deployment, both of which can cause serious injuries. Failure to deploy can leave occupants vulnerable to impact forces, while unintended deployment can lead to crashes due to loss of vehicle control.
- Seatbelt failures include the inability to latch or unlatch during a collision and inadequate webbing that tears under stress, resulting in occupants not being properly restrained. This can dramatically exacerbate injuries by allowing excessive movement within the vehicle or even ejection.
- Transmission failures can significantly compromise vehicle safety, often leading to dangerous driving conditions. A defective transmission may cause gear slippage, unexpected shifts, or complete transmission failure. These issues can result in loss of vehicle control, especially at high speeds or during critical maneuvers. For example, a sudden shift to a lower gear can cause unexpected deceleration, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Failure to shift properly might prevent the vehicle from accelerating, creating hazards on highways or busy intersections.
- Fuel system failures often result from defects in components such as fuel pumps, lines, or tanks, leading to fuel leaks or engine malfunctions. A leak introduces the risk of fire, especially if the fuel comes into contact with a hot surface or sparks. A malfunctioning fuel system can also cause sudden engine shutdowns, putting drivers and passengers in dangerous situations.
- Electric vehicle (EV) fires are unique risks due to their lithium-ion batteries, which can become hazardous under certain conditions. Factors such as manufacturing defects or damage from collisions can lead to thermal runaway — the rapid increase in temperature causing fires or explosions. Unlike traditional vehicle fires, EV fires are much more challenging to extinguish due to the chemical nature of the batteries.
Speak With an Experienced Pasadena Product Liability Lawyer Today
Under California’s comparative fault laws, more than one party may be held liable for your injuries from a defective product. However, building a strong case in auto product liability requires a comprehensive approach that combines the strategic use of factual evidence and compelling legal arguments. Vardanyan Law Firm will investigate the accident and file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries. We’ll also gather detailed evidence, such as accident reports, maintenance records, and any recalls or previous complaints related to the vehicle or component.
Engaging expert witnesses is also crucial, as their technical insights can substantiate claims of design or manufacturing defects. Accident scene reconstruction can also be used to break down the factors that caused the accident in a way that the jury will understand.
Ruben Vardanyan can discuss details about how our firm can help with your case. Call (747) 777-9725 to speak with our knowledgeable Pasadena auto product liability attorney today.