Defective Vehicles
Although automobile safety has improved considerably over the last several decades, vehicle defects still cause car accidents. Vehicle factors were the critical reason for 44,000 of the 2.2 million accidents reviewed in the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). One recent example of an auto defect involves problems with ignition switches on some models of GM cars. According to a CBS News article, GM is paying out compensation to the families of at least 64 people who died in accidents caused by GM’s defective ignition switch. As reported, the switch could slip out of the “on” position, cutting the engine and disabling the air bags and power steering. Automobile and automotive parts manufacturers are required to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations issued by NHTSA. Millions of vehicles and auto parts have been recalled by NHTSA for failure to meet those standards. Injured victims of car accidents caused by automotive defects may be entitled to file a claim to pursue compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, similar that in cases of drunk driving, although in these cases is better to get a lawyer for this, in case you get arrested for drunk driving. In some exceptional cases, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish a responsible party.
