Car accidents in Georgia are often caused by factors like distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and other negligent driver behaviors. However, a driver can do everything right and still be involved in an accident caused by their vehicle. Malfunctioning car parts and systems cause recalls regularly, and these dangerous car defects often lead to extensive injuries and property damage.
Dangerous Car Defects
Hidden defects and malfunctions that are discovered too late can lead to catastrophic and deadly accidents for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists in Atlanta. These manufacturer errors occur far too often and can impact every part of a vehicle, but the most dangerous car defects are often ones that are common or affect a crucial operational system.
Unintended Acceleration
Accelerating at the wrong time is a potentially life-threatening car defect. This malfunction can be caused by a gas pedal that sticks or by poorly designed floor mats that impede the movement of the pedal, as were the issues in a Toyota recall. Sudden unintended acceleration can also be caused by mechanical problems, electronic malfunctions, and driver error, so identifying the cause is important for establishing an accident claim in Georgia.
Faulty Ignition Switches
If a vehicle’s ignition switch is defective, the car may experience some of the following issues:
- The vehicle won’t start
- The vehicle stalls while driving
- The vehicle’s lights are inoperable
General Motors (GM) issued a recall in 2014 for a faulty switch that could cause the engine to turn off and stop the airbags from working. In this example, GM knew about the faulty switches and chose not to fix the issue because of the costs and timeframe.
Failed Brakes
When brakes malfunction, stopping in time to avoid an accident can be an impossible task. Defective brake lines, Antilock Brake System (ABS) issues, faulty valves, and numerous other problems can cause brakes to fail. The recall of 2023 and 2024 models of BMW vehicles involved ABS defects that could cause drivers to lose control while driving.
Electrical System Issues
Even gas-fueled vehicles have numerous electrical components, especially newer models. A malfunction in the electrical system could cause a wide range of issues that range from mild to severe, including:
- Drained batteries
- Inoperable head, tail, or brake lights
- Burnt or blown fuses
- Vehicle no-start condition
- Electrical fires
Mercedez-Benz, Audi, and Ford have all faced issues with some of their models’ electrical systems.
Steering System Defects
It is almost guaranteed that a motorist will need to turn the wheel at some point while driving. Not being able to control the direction of your vehicle is incredibly dangerous, which is why steering problems are dangerous. GM, Ford, and Tesla have all recalled vehicles for power steering issues.
Airbag Malfunctions
The safety features of a vehicle, like the airbags, are ineffective if they are defective. In some situations, a malfunctioning safety feature can injure drivers and passengers rather than prevent them from being harmed. When airbags fail to deploy in an accident or deploy unexpectedly and without reason, they can cause severe injuries. This issue is more common than many people realize, with Tesla and Toyota among the car manufacturers recalling vehicles for airbag issues. Additionally, Takata, a company that manufactures airbags, was involved in a mass recall due to exploding airbags installed in tens of millions of vehicles, including models of Honda, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Jeep, Lexus, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen, and numerous other makes.
Recovery After an Accident Caused by a Car Defect
Financial recovery works in tandem with your physical and emotional recovery to help you heal after a car accident. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a car defect or malfunction, you deserve experienced legal representation that can help you get the justice you deserve. Contact Flanagan Law to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with a car defect attorney.
