IGNITION DEFECT ATTORNEYS
IGNITION DEFECT ATTORNEYS
REPRESENTING VICTIMS INJURED BY IGNITION DEFECTS
Car manufacturers have issued millions of automobile, SUV, and truck recalls due to dangerous ignition defects. These problems cause a vehicle’s ignition to turn from an “on” position to an “accessory” mode while the vehicle is in motion. The accessory mode is what people tend to use when they are listening to music while their car is parked or when they want alternate power, but it is not to be used while actively driving. When vehicles switch from “on” to “accessory” without warning, the driver will often experience a loss of power to their steering systems and power brakes. Safety systems like frontal airbags are also frequently disabled.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a sudden loss of power, you may be able to recover compensation from the defective vehicle’s manufacturer and other responsible parties. Our ignition defect lawyers are well-versed in auto defect cases and have a strong track record of success. Our team has recovered over a billion dollars for our clients, and we are ready to put our resources and knowledge to work for you. We will work quickly to move your case forward and will do everything we can to deliver the best possible outcome.
You pay our firm nothing unless we win, so schedule a free initial consultation by calling (888) 420-1299 or contacting us online today. Same-day appointments are available, and we offer our services in English and Spanish.
COMMON INJURIES IN ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY IGNITION DEFECTS
Suddenly losing power while navigating a busy street can be disastrous. You may be unable to steer or brake properly without warning, forcing your fast-moving car off the road, into a hazard, or potentially into another vehicle. Because ignition defects tend to affect safety systems, your airbags may not deploy, worsening the impact and resulting injuries. All of these factors lead to situations where victims frequently sustain catastrophic (and even fatal) injuries that require months or years of ongoing care and treatment.
Our ignition defect attorneys are ready to represent you if you suffered any of the following injuries due to an accident involving a loss of power:
- Broken bones and/or fractures
- Facial fractures and scarring
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
- Burns
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
WHO IS LIABLE FOR AN IGNITION DEFECT?
Major automobile manufacturers have historically been found liable for widespread ignition defects in their vehicles. General Motors alone has recalled 2.5 million automobiles in recent years specifically due to ignition defects. GM has admitted that their defective ignition switch can be attributed to at least 57 deaths as well as numerous additional catastrophic injuries. Chrysler and other prominent manufacturers have also put out recalls because of ignition defects.
In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, one or more of several other parties may also be liable, including:
- The defective ignition switch’s designer
- The defective ignition switch’s manufacturer (which may be distinct from the vehicle manufacturer)
- The defective ignition switch’s testing and installation team
Winning a lawsuit requires demonstrating that the ignition switch did not work as intended and thus was unreasonably dangerous. If your ignition switch pivoted to accessory mode without warning, you likely have evidence that the component is defective, even if your vehicle has not been named in a recall. You will also need to show that the ignition defect is what specifically caused (or worsened) the accident and led to your suffering injuries. You cannot get compensation if you did not suffer injuries, even if you experienced a scary moment where you lost control on the road.
Our team at The Potts Law Firm is happy to investigate your case for free. We will work to swiftly ascertain liability and advise whether you have a strong claim.
WHAT DAMAGES CAN I RECOVER IN AN IGNITION DEFECT LAWSUIT?
When you suffer injuries due to an ignition defect, you can get compensation for monetary and non-monetary losses through a product liability lawsuit filed against the responsible party or parties. However, you must start the legal process before your state’s statute of limitations expires, or you will be unable to recover any damages. The exact amount of time you have from the date of the accident depends on the state, so speak to a legal professional promptly to avoid missing any deadlines. If someone succumbs to fatal injuries, qualifying surviving parties of the deceased will get more time from the date of the victim’s passing to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
Our ignition defect lawyers will fight to get you compensation for all accident-related losses, including:
- Property damage
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
If you think a recent car accident may have been caused by an ignition defect, do not wait to call (888) 420-1299 or contact us online.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How can a product liability attorney help me?
Though automobile manufacturers have been forced to issue widespread recalls due to ignition defects, they will often do everything possible to avoid recognizing these dangerous issues and accepting accountability. For example, GM knew of a serious ignition issue in its vehicle but did not order a recall for over a decade, causing many avoidable injuries and deaths.
You should not have to face these large companies alone. Our attorneys have the power, locations, and drive needed to help you get justice, no matter where you are. When you choose us as your legal representative, you will get a capable advocate that is fully committed to your case and getting you maximum compensation. We know how automobile manufacturers (and other commonly liable parties) approach this type of litigation and can take steps to counteract their strategies. You will have our full support from beginning to end, and we will always be available to answer your questions and provide updates.
Q: What are vehicle recalls?
Automobile manufacturers issue vehicle recalls when they learn about a safety issue that needs to be corrected. In some cases, the federal government may step in and order a recall. You can review current recalls by visiting www.safercar.gov, but keep in mind that vehicles can still be defective even if they are not part of an active recall.
Q: How long will my ignition defect case last?
Every case is different and will have its own timeline, though many auto defect lawsuits are resolved within one to two years. The complexity of the circumstances, the nature of the plaintiff(s), and court backlogs will all play a role in determining how long a case will last. We always attempt to deliver a favorable resolution as quickly as possible, which may be accomplished by negotiating a pre-trial settlement. If this is not possible, our ignition defect attorneys are more than ready to fight for you in court while doing everything we can to avoid a drawn-out legal battle.
Q: I caused an accident because of a defective ignition switch. Can I still file a product liability claim?
When you lose your ability to reliably steer or brake, there is a good chance you will collide with something, whether it be a nonmoving obstacle (like a streetlight) or another vehicle. In either scenario, you can pursue legal action against the liable party or parties if a defective ignition switch caused the accident.
Q: I was involved in an accident where my airbags did not deploy. Do I have an ignition defect case?
If you were in a frontal collision and your airbags failed to deploy, an undetected ignition defect may be to blame. A pothole or evasive maneuver can potentially cause your vehicle’s key to move from the “on” position to the “accessory” position, consequently disabling your airbags moments before the crash. A simple bump should not affect a fully functional ignition’s setting, so this outcome is a sign of a probable defect. Alternatively, your airbag system may be defective for some other reason, meaning you may still have a case against your vehicle’s manufacturer. An attorney experienced in handling these cases can help you get to the root of the problem.
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At Potts Law Firm, we believe the details of your case matter and we work tirelessly to pursue just compensation on your behalf. Our team of experienced attorneys and staff are backed with the resources they need to win regardless of the obstacles your case faces. We do this all while keeping an open line of communication with you.
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