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South Carolina Auto Defect Lawyers
Skilled attorneys explain product liability and negligence in car accident claims
Consumers have the right to demand that the vehicle they purchase will operate safely. Many cars and other vehicles, unfortunately, are not designed or made properly. Some of the vehicles may be recalled for repairs, but often cars malfunction without any recall. At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips LLC, our South Carolina auto defect lawyers understand what evidence is needed to prove liability. We work with reconstruction experts and product design engineers to determine how and why the accident happened. Our lawyers are skilled with product liability laws that favor injured consumers, even if the consumer cannot prove exactly why the accident happened.
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What are the different types of automobile defect cases?
Some examples of car defects that can cause serious injuries are SUVs that roll over, cars that have faulty steering mechanisms, or automobiles with faulty brake systems.
An automobile defect attorney at our firm knows the main reasons why cars can be dangerous before they leave the showroom. One reason is poor design. Before building a car, there must be a design plan on how the car is to be manufactured. When the company designing the car does not design a part of the car correctly, our firm holds the manufacturer and others accountable.
Another cause is improper manufacturing. The design may be solid but the car might still be dangerous because of faulty procedures used during the manufacturing process or the installation of inadequate parts. Perhaps certain parts were installed incorrectly or plant workers cut corners to save time or money.
Who is responsible when a car is defective?
In vehicle accident cases, it is essential to identify every defendant responsible. In product liability cases, such as faulty car design or manufacturer, there are many possible defendants. Our attorneys begin by reviewing every business involved in the chain of distribution of the vehicle. The businesses that can be held responsible for an automotive defect include:
- The car manufacturer
- The parts manufacturer
- The car dealership
- Any car supply shops
- Any middlemen
- Used car dealers
What should I do if I believe my car is defective?
If you believe your car is defective, you should take the following steps:
- Check for recalls. The first step is to check to see if your car has been recalled for any defects. You can do this by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and entering your car's VIN. If your car is recalled, you should take it to a dealership to have the defect repaired for free.
- Contact the manufacturer. If your car is not recalled, you should contact the manufacturer to report the defect. You can usually do this by calling the manufacturer's customer service line or visiting their website. The manufacturer may be able to send a technician to inspect your car and repair the defect for free.
- File a complaint with the NHTSA. If you are unable to get the manufacturer to repair the defect for free, you can file a complaint with the NHTSA. The NHTSA will investigate your complaint and may take action against the manufacturer.
- Hire a South Carolina attorney. If you have been injured as a result of a defective car part, you may want to consider hiring an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you file a claim against the manufacturer and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How do your South Carolina automobile defect attorneys help my case?
Automobile defect cases are more formally known as product liability cases. The key advantage of a product liability case over a negligence case is that the plaintiff doesn't need to prove fault. The key tasks our lawyers need to prove are that there was an automobile defect at the time of the accident and that the defect caused your injuries. Once those two facts are proven, the burden then shifts to the defendant to show they were not negligent. Attorneys at our firm understand that this key shift can mean the difference between winning and losing.
We work with engineers and other professionals to show that the automobile did have a defect at the time of the accident. We work with these same professionals and medical professionals to show the defect was the cause of our client’s injuries.
Do you have an automobile defect attorney near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is located at 1539 Health Care Drive in Rock Hill, SC. If you are too ill or injured to visit us, we can see you in the hospital or meet via telephone or video conference.
We also maintain offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, and serve clients throughout the State of South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
Talk to our South Carolina auto defect attorneys today
If you or a loved one have experienced injuries or damages due to an auto defect, don't hesitate to reach out to our experienced auto defect attorneys today. We have a proven track record of holding manufacturers accountable for their negligence, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Your safety matters and acting now can not only protect your rights but also prevent further harm to others on the road. To schedule a free consultation, please call our offices at 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients throughout South Carolina.