Auto product liability lawyers specialize in legal cases where consumers have been injured or suffered losses due to defective automotive products. These lawyers help clients seek compensation from manufacturers, retailers, or other entities responsible for creating or distributing defective vehicles or vehicle parts.

Key aspects of auto product liability cases:
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Types of Defects:
- Design Defects: Problems inherent in the design of the vehicle or parts that make them inherently unsafe.
- Manufacturing Defects: Errors that occur during the production process, leading to an individual product being unsafe (e.g., improperly installed brakes).
- Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn): Lack of proper warnings or instructions about the use of the vehicle or its parts, such as not informing users about known risks.
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Common Automotive Product Defects:
- Defective airbags or seat belts.
- Faulty brakes or tires.
- Steering or acceleration problems.
- Electrical issues causing fires or malfunctions.
- Defective sensors or automated driving features.
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Legal Theories:
- Strict Liability: The manufacturer is liable if the product is defective, regardless of negligence.
- Negligence: The injured party must prove that the manufacturer or distributor did not take reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, or marketing the vehicle.
- Breach of Warranty: The defect violated the vehicle’s express or implied warranty.
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Role of Auto Product Liability Lawyers:
- Investigation: These lawyers investigate the accident and examine the vehicle for defects.
- Expert Consultation: They often work with automotive experts to prove the defect and its connection to the injury.
- Negotiation: They negotiate settlements with manufacturers or insurance companies.
- Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, they represent clients in court.
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Examples of Major Cases:
- Takata Airbag Recall: Lawsuits filed due to defective airbags that deployed explosively.
- Toyota Unintended Acceleration: Cases where cars accelerated without warning, leading to accidents.
If you're seeking representation, finding a lawyer who specializes in auto product liability and has experience in dealing with automotive manufacturers and insurers is essential.