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When we drive, we rely on our motor vehicles to keep us safe on the road. Unfortunately, defective auto parts can compromise safety, leading to severe accidents and life-changing injuries. Many auto accidents are caused not by driver error but by faulty components that fail when we need them most. In Wisconsin, if a defective auto part contributes to an accident, victims may be entitled to seek compensation from the responsible parties. Wisconsin personal injury and product liability laws allow us to hold manufacturers, distributors, or sellers accountable when defective parts lead to harm. Below, we’ll explore the types of defective auto parts that can cause serious accidents, as well as the legal remedies available to victims in Wisconsin.
Brake systems are critical for ensuring a vehicle can stop safely and quickly. When brakes are defective, the consequences can be catastrophic. Brake defects may include issues like brake line failures, faulty brake pads, or problems with the brake’s hydraulic system. Defective brakes can cause sudden loss of control, especially at high speeds, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
In Wisconsin, under product liability laws, manufacturers can be held responsible if a brake defect causes an accident. Wisconsin Statute § 895.047 addresses product liability, allowing individuals to pursue compensation if they can prove that a product was unreasonably dangerous and caused their injury. For defective brakes, we work with accident reconstruction specialists and mechanical engineers to establish that a manufacturing or design defect directly contributed to the crash.
Airbags are designed to protect passengers from severe injuries during a crash. However, defective airbags can either fail to deploy when needed or deploy improperly, posing a danger to passengers. Airbag defects can include faulty sensors, poor timing in deployment, or even cases where airbags deploy without a collision occurring. Each of these scenarios presents a serious risk to drivers and passengers.
Under Wisconsin law, airbag failures fall under product liability statutes, and injured individuals can file a claim against the responsible manufacturer or distributor. We build these cases by gathering evidence of the defect, consulting with engineers, and analyzing similar cases of airbag malfunctions. A successful claim may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Tires are critical for maintaining control and stability on the road. Defective tires can lead to blowouts, sudden loss of traction, or tire separations, which can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. Tire defects may arise from issues in manufacturing, design, or even improper labeling that misleads consumers.
Under Wisconsin law, injured drivers and passengers may pursue claims for defective tires if they can show that the defect directly contributed to the accident. Wisconsin Statute § 895.045 discusses comparative negligence, which means that even if a driver bears partial responsibility, they can still recover damages if another party (like the tire manufacturer) shares fault. We help our clients secure compensation by investigating the origin of the tire defect and demonstrating the impact of that defect on the crash.
The steering system is another essential component for safe driving. When steering components fail, it can be nearly impossible for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Common steering defects include faulty power steering pumps, broken linkages, and electronic malfunctions in modern steering systems.
In Wisconsin, victims of accidents caused by steering failures may file product liability claims against the manufacturer or repair facility that last serviced the vehicle. We focus on identifying and demonstrating the defect’s role in causing the accident. If we can show that the manufacturer or repair service failed to meet their duty of care, our clients may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, vehicle damage, and other related costs.
Seat belts are designed to prevent serious injury by restraining passengers during a crash. When seat belts fail due to design flaws, material defects, or improper installation, occupants are at greater risk of being thrown from their seats or ejected from the vehicle. Seat belt defects can include latching problems, issues with the webbing material, or failures in retractors.
Wisconsin product liability laws allow injured individuals to seek compensation for damages resulting from defective seat belts. In these cases, we work to establish that the seat belt defect was a direct cause of the injuries sustained. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income, and damages for pain and suffering.
Modern vehicles rely heavily on complex electrical systems, which control everything from headlights to critical safety features like anti-lock brakes and stability control systems. Electrical system failures can lead to sudden loss of power, causing accidents in situations where power is essential for control, such as highway driving or night driving.
Electrical defects are often difficult to detect and may not show signs of failure until it’s too late. If an electrical failure leads to a crash, Wisconsin law allows the injured party to seek damages. We work with electrical engineers and other professionals to examine the vehicle’s systems, identify the failure, and demonstrate how it contributed to the accident. These cases can include claims for property damage, medical bills, and non-economic losses.
Fuel system defects pose a unique hazard due to the potential for fires or explosions following an accident. When fuel tanks, lines, or other components are defective, they can leak or fail to contain the fuel properly, turning a minor collision into a life-threatening situation. Common defects include faulty seals, improperly installed fuel lines, and tanks that are prone to rupture.
Wisconsin law provides a path to compensation for injuries caused by fuel system defects. Victims may file product liability claims against the manufacturer or entity responsible for the defect. Compensation can help cover medical treatments, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs in cases of burn injuries or other damages.
Wisconsin’s product liability laws protect consumers by allowing claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for placing a defective product into the marketplace. Wisconsin Statute § 895.047 establishes that if a product is deemed unreasonably dangerous due to a defect, the responsible parties may be liable for any harm caused. To successfully claim damages, victims must prove that the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer and that the defect directly contributed to the accident and injuries.
In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, including manufacturers of the individual part, the automaker, or the dealership. Wisconsin’s comparative negligence rule, outlined in Wisconsin Statutes § 895.045, may also affect claims. This statute allows individuals to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault, as long as they are less than 51% responsible.
If you suspect a defective part caused your accident, seek medical attention first. Afterward, document as much as possible about the accident, including photos, witness statements, and any signs of vehicle malfunctions. Avoid repairing or modifying your vehicle until it has been inspected by an expert. Consulting an attorney experienced in Wisconsin auto defect cases can help ensure that evidence is preserved and a strong case is built on your behalf.
To prove a defective auto part caused your injuries, we work with experts who can examine the part and determine whether it failed due to a manufacturing or design defect. Evidence such as maintenance records, recall information, and similar incidents involving the same part may also strengthen your case. We build a compelling argument to show that the defective part directly contributed to your accident and injuries.
Yes, Wisconsin’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. If you share some responsibility, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your total recovery amount will be reduced by 20%.
At the Law Offices of John V. O’Connor, our firm is dedicated to helping those injured by defective auto parts recover the economic compensation their cases deserve. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a faulty part, we’re here to help you understand your rights and explore your options. Our Kenosha-based attorneys have the experience and dedication needed to fight for justice on your behalf.
If you need assistance after an auto accident, contact our Kenosha auto accident lawyer at the Law Offices of John V. O’Connor by calling (262) 605-8400 to receive your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Wisconsin from our office in Kenosha, and we’re ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation your case deserves.
