Brentwood Auto Defect Attorneys

Fighting for Victims of Auto Defect Accidents

Sometimes, an auto manufacturer is to blame for a car accident, not the driver. For example, a defective tire may blow out and cause an accident; a defective car seat back may collapse in a rear-end collision, injuring the driver and anyone in the back seat; or a car may have a low crashworthiness.

If you have been injured by an auto defect, you likely have the right to hold the negligent company or corporation liable for your damages. At Biren Law Group, we are thoroughly experienced in investigating and pursuing auto defect cases against negligent auto manufacturers, auto parts wholesalers and retailers, and car dealerships.

As a family-owned firm, we treat our clients like they’re family. Just take a look at our results. Time after time, we have been successful in maximizing our clients’ compensation, putting them in the best position to heal and move forward.

Contact our auto defect attorneys online for a free, confidential consultation. There are no fees unless we win!

Overview of Auto Defects

Auto defects represent a critical failure in the chain of vehicle production and safety, where something goes wrong from conception to consumer use. At their core, these defects are flaws that make a vehicle or its components unreasonably dangerous, often leading to unforeseen hazards on the road. Understanding what qualifies as an auto defect is essential for drivers, as it empowers them to recognize potential issues and seek accountability.

There are three primary categories of auto defects:

• Design Flaws: These occur when the blueprint or engineering of the vehicle inherently poses risks, even if manufactured perfectly. For instance, a car’s frame might be designed with insufficient reinforcement, making it prone to crumpling in low-speed impacts, or an SUV could have a high center of gravity that increases rollover risks during sharp turns. Design flaws affect entire model lines and highlight systemic oversights in prioritizing safety over cost or aesthetics.
• Manufacturing Defects: Unlike design issues, these arise during the assembly process. A part might be installed incorrectly, or substandard materials could be used due to production errors. Examples include faulty welding on brake lines that leads to leaks or improperly calibrated sensors in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking. These defects typically impact only a subset of vehicles from a production run, making them trickier to detect without expert inspection.
• Failure to Warn (Marketing or Information Defects): Sometimes, the defect isn’t in the product itself but in the lack of adequate warnings or instructions. Manufacturers have a duty to inform consumers about known risks, such as the need for specific maintenance to prevent tire failures or the limitations of airbag systems in certain crash scenarios. If a company downplays or omits these details in manuals, labels, or marketing, it can be held liable when injuries result from uninformed use.

What makes auto defects particularly insidious is their ability to masquerade as user error or random accidents. However, with advancements in forensic engineering and data from black boxes (event data recorders), it’s increasingly possible to pinpoint these flaws and hold responsible parties accountable.

Common Auto Defects

Any auto part may be defective, such as:

• Defective tires
• Defective airbags
• Defective accelerators
• Defective fuel systems
• Defective steering wheels and components
• Defective car seats, including for children

It often takes working technical knowledge of the mechanics of a car, how they are built, and industry rules and regulations to identify a defective auto part. Our attorneys at Biren Law Group are proud to offer this technical knowledge, as well as fierce representation, to our clients.

Impact of Auto Defects on Safety

The ripple effects of auto defects extend far beyond a single malfunction—they can transform routine drives into life-altering tragedies. Defective components compromise the fundamental safety features that drivers rely on, often with devastating consequences. It is estimated that vehicle defects contribute to thousands of crashes annually, underscoring the human cost of corporate negligence.

Consider how defects escalate risks:

• A defective airbag might deploy with excessive force, causing facial fractures or even fatalities in minor collisions, or fail to inflate altogether, leaving occupants unprotected.
• Faulty tires could shred at highway speeds, leading to loss of control and multi-vehicle pileups.
• Accelerators that stick or fuel systems prone to leaks might ignite fires post-impact, turning survivable accidents into infernos.

Injuries from these defects range from whiplash and broken bones to severe traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and burns. Fatalities are alarmingly common, especially in cases involving child safety seats that fail during crashes or steering systems that lock up unexpectedly. Beyond physical harm, the psychological toll, such as post-traumatic stress from near-death experiences, can linger for years.

Interestingly, defects don’t always manifest immediately; wear and tear can exacerbate hidden flaws, catching drivers off guard after months or years of ownership. This delayed onset amplifies the danger, as vehicles with latent defects continue to operate on public roads, endangering not just the owner but also other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. By addressing defects promptly through legal action, victims can not only secure justice but also push for industry-wide improvements, potentially saving countless lives.

Do I Need to File an Auto Defect Lawsuit?

If you’ve been injured or suffered losses due to a vehicle malfunction, you might be wondering whether filing an auto defect lawsuit is necessary. The answer depends on whether a defect in your vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or warnings caused harm, and whether you’re seeking compensation for injuries, property damage, or emotional distress. At Biren Law Group, we help you evaluate your situation to determine if a lawsuit is the right path.

You may need to file if you’re an individual consumer who experienced an accident due to a defective part, like a malfunctioning airbag or tire blowout, resulting in injuries or vehicle damage. Families who’ve lost loved ones in defect-related crashes may pursue wrongful death claims to cover losses and hold negligent parties accountable. In cases where a defect affects many vehicles, you might join a class-action lawsuit, pooling resources with other victims to challenge manufacturers over widespread issues, such as faulty fuel systems across a model line.

The legal foundation for these cases lies in product liability law, which allows claims without proving intentional misconduct. You only need to show the defect existed and caused harm, whether through strict liability (holding companies accountable regardless of fault), negligence (demonstrating carelessness in design or production), or breach of warranty (failing to meet implied safety standards). Filing a lawsuit not only seeks compensation for your losses but also pressures manufacturers to improve safety, preventing future harm. Contact our team for a free consultation to assess whether your case warrants legal action.

Role of Product Liability Law

Product liability law forms the backbone of auto defect claims, imposing responsibility on entities throughout the supply chain to deliver safe vehicles. This area of tort law ensures that if a product causes harm due to defects, victims can seek redress without needing to prove direct negligence in every case.

Manufacturers bear the brunt of liability, as they’re typically responsible for design and production flaws. For example, if a car’s electronic stability control system malfunctions due to poor engineering, the automaker could be sued for foreseeable risks. Dealers and retailers might be liable if they sell defective vehicles without proper inspections or disclosures, especially if they alter parts post-manufacture. Suppliers of components, like tire or battery producers, can also be held accountable if their subpar products integrate into the final vehicle and cause failures.

This chain-of-commerce approach encourages accountability at every level, from raw material providers to end sellers. In practice, it means victims can target the most solvent party, streamlining recovery. Product liability also intersects with federal regulations like those from the NHTSA, where violations (e.g., ignoring safety standards) strengthen claims. Ultimately, this framework empowers consumers, transforming isolated incidents into catalysts for safer automotive standards.

Role of Recalls in Auto Defect Cases

Vehicle recalls are a manufacturer’s formal acknowledgment of a safety defect, initiated voluntarily or mandated by the NHTSA, aimed at repairing or replacing faulty parts at no cost to owners. They play a pivotal role in auto defect litigation, serving as evidence that a problem was known or should have been known, bolstering claims of negligence.

Recalls don’t preclude lawsuits; in fact, they often trigger them. If an injury occurs before a recall, victims can argue that the manufacturer delayed action despite awareness of risks. Post-recall defects—where fixes fail or new issues arise—can lead to additional claims, highlighting inadequate remedies. For instance, if a recalled airbag is replaced but still deploys improperly, this could indicate deeper systemic flaws.

If a defect surfaces after a recall, document everything: Keep repair records, note persistent issues, and consult an attorney immediately. Report to the NHTSA via their hotline or website to build a public record, which strengthens your case. Recalls underscore the importance of vigilance; checking your VIN on safercar.gov can reveal hidden dangers, but legal action ensures just compensation beyond free fixes.

Compensation in Auto Defect Lawsuits

Victorious auto defect lawsuits can yield substantial compensation, addressing the multifaceted harms inflicted. Damages fall into economic and non-economic categories, with punitive awards possible for egregious conduct.

• Economic damages cover tangible losses: Medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation; lost wages from missed work or reduced earning capacity; and property damage, like vehicle repairs or replacement.
• Non-economic damages compensate for intangibles, such as pain and suffering from chronic injuries, emotional distress, or diminished quality of life—think the anguish of mobility loss or family strain.

In cases of willful misconduct, like concealing known defects to cut costs, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant and deter future violations. These can significantly amplify settlements, as seen in high-profile cases against major automakers.

At Biren Law Group, we’ve secured over half a billion dollars for clients, including multi-million-dollar verdicts in product liability matters, ensuring comprehensive recovery that supports long-term healing.

Choosing an Attorney for an Auto Defect Case

Navigating an auto defect case demands expertise in technical analysis, regulatory compliance, and aggressive litigation—qualities that define Biren Law Group. With over 80 years of combined experience, our Brentwood-based team excels in dissecting complex defects, from forensic engineering reviews to challenging corporate giants.

What sets us apart? Our family-owned ethos means personalized attention, treating you like kin rather than a case number. We offer no upfront costs, free consultations, and a proven track record of maximizing compensation. Renowned by peers and clients alike, we’re award-winning trial lawyers ready to leverage resources like expert witnesses and crash reconstructions for your success. Choose Biren Law Group for unwavering advocacy that turns defects into deserved justice.

How Biren Law Group Guides You Through Filing an Auto Defect Lawsuit

At Biren Law Group, we understand the overwhelming challenges of pursuing an auto defect case, which is why our Brentwood-based team is committed to guiding you every step of the way with expertise, compassion, and tenacity.

Here’s how we walk you through the process to secure the justice and compensation you deserve:

• Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Your journey begins with a free, confidential consultation. We listen to your story, review accident details, and assess whether a defect—such as a faulty airbag or tire blowout—contributed to your injuries. Our attorneys, backed by over 80 years of collective experience, explain your rights and outline a clear path forward, with no upfront costs to you.
• Evidence Preservation and Investigation: We act swiftly to secure critical evidence before it’s lost. Our team advises you on documenting the accident scene, preserving the vehicle, and collecting records like police reports and medical bills. We collaborate with top forensic engineers and accident reconstructionists to analyze components, review black box data, and pinpoint whether the defect stems from design, manufacturing, or inadequate warnings.
• Building a Robust Case: Using our expertise, we identify all liable parties, be it the manufacturer, supplier, or dealership, and craft a compelling case. We ensure compliance with California’s statutes of limitations (typically 2 years for personal injury) and gather expert testimony to strengthen your case, proving how the defect caused your harm.
• Filing and Legal Advocacy: Our attorneys draft and file a precise complaint in the appropriate court, formally launching your lawsuit. We handle all legal paperwork, ensuring every detail is accurate. During discovery, we aggressively pursue evidence from defendants, such as internal manufacturer documents that might reveal known defects or negligence.
• Negotiation and Trial Preparation: Many cases settle out of court, and we leverage our track record to negotiate maximum compensation. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, our award-winning trial lawyers are ready to fight in court, presenting a meticulous case.
• Securing Your Recovery: Whether through settlement or verdict, we aim to recover comprehensive damages, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, if applicable, punitive damages for egregious misconduct. Our family-owned firm stays by your side, ensuring you’re supported through recovery and beyond.

With Biren Law Group, you’re never alone in this complex process. Call (310) 774-0078 or contact us online to start with a no-risk consultation, and let our family fight for yours.

Work with Seasoned Auto Defect Lawyers

At Biren Law Group, we stand out from the competition with:

• No out-of-pocket costs
• Free, no-risk consultations
• More than 80 years of combined legal experience
• Track record of over half a billion dollars recovered for clients
• Award-winning trial lawyers renowned by peers and clients

Let our family fight for yours! To date, we have helped countless Los Angeles residents successfully navigate auto defects litigation.

Call (310) 774-0078 to schedule a free consultation with our auto defect lawyers in Brentwood.