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Auto Product Liability

Geneva & Sycamore Auto Product Liability Lawyer

Helping Victims of Auto Product Defects in Northern Illinois

When you drive a car, you trust it's designed and built to protect you and your loved ones. Every part, like seat belts and airbags, is meant to keep you safe during auto accidents. However, design flaws or manufacturing defects might cause these systems to fail, possibly leading to injuries or even fatal outcomes. It's important to realize that such incidents might not just be accidents but could result from negligence by car manufacturers or suppliers.

Turner Law Group has the expertise required to meticulously investigate auto product liability claims, working closely with forensic experts to establish the cause of the defect and its role in the injury. We aim to provide clients with the comprehensive representation they need during challenging times.

Call (800) 653-0198 for a free consultation to discuss your case with one of our Geneva and Sycamore product liability lawyers.

How Auto Product Incidents Occur

Auto product incidents can occur in various ways, each potentially hazardous to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Understanding the common causes behind these incidents is the first step in advocating for safer vehicles and holding manufacturers accountable. 

Here are some ways in which auto product defects can lead to accidents or injuries:

  • Manufacturing flaws: Errors during the assembly process can introduce faults in vehicle parts that are otherwise safely designed. A single oversight in manufacturing can compromise the integrity of critical safety components, such as brake systems or steering mechanisms, potentially leading to loss of control or failure to stop.
  • Design defects: Sometimes, the problem lies in the initial design of the vehicle or its components. These defects may affect the vehicle's overall safety, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Issues such as insufficient crashworthiness, flawed seatbelt design, or unstable vehicle architecture underscore the importance of rigorous testing before market release.
  • Failure to warn: Inadequate instructions or warnings about properly using a vehicle's features can lead to misuse or accidents. Vehicles that come without clear, understandable guidelines or fail to alert users to potential hazards associated with their operation or maintenance can contribute to unintended consequences.
  • Faulty replacement parts: Not all defects originate from the vehicle’s initial assembly. Aftermarket parts used for repairs or upgrades may have defects, compromising safety. It’s crucial that all components, whether original or replacement, adhere to safety standards to help ensure the well-being of all vehicle occupants.

Understanding these scenarios helps to identify potential legal claims and pursue justice for those affected by auto product defects.

Common Injuries Resulting from Auto Product Defects

Victims of defective auto products can suffer from various injuries, some of which may have long-term or permanent effects. Understanding the typical injuries that can occur in such situations sheds light on the seriousness of auto product liability and its profound impact on individuals and families.

Some of the injuries we've seen in defective auto product cases include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, often resulting from collisions where faulty safety equipment fails to protect the occupant's head.
  • Whiplash: The sudden, forceful back-and-forth neck movement during an accident can cause whiplash, resulting in soft tissue damage and chronic pain.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Defects in seatbelts or vehicle seats may lead to spinal injuries, potentially causing paralysis or other long-lasting disabilities.
  • Burn injuries: Malfunctions in electrical systems or fuel components can lead to fires or explosions, resulting in serious burn injuries to occupants.
  • Fractures and broken bones: The failure of structural components or safety features in a crash can lead to fractures, which may require surgical intervention and prolonged recovery periods.
  • Lacerations and abrasions: Faulty interior finishes or broken glass can cause these injuries, which, though potentially less severe, can lead to significant discomfort and scarring.

Discuss your case with our Geneva and Sycamore Auto Product Liability Lawyers today.

Determining Fault in Auto Product Liability Cases

Navigating auto product liability claims requires a depth of knowledge and experience due to the complexity of these cases. They involve understanding intricate product designs, manufacturing processes, and legal standards. In addition, thorough and detailed investigations must be conducted to establish the cause of the defect and its role in the accident or injury.

In determining fault in auto product liability cases, we consider the following factors: 

  • Inspecting the damaged vehicle: Physical examination of the vehicle involved in the incident provides critical insights into how and why a defect may have contributed to the injury or damage.
  • Collaborating with automotive experts: We work closely with specialists in automotive design and manufacturing to analyze the technical aspects of the defect. These experts can offer authoritative opinions on whether the harm resulted from a flaw in the vehicle’s design from the manufacturer.
  • Reviewing manufacturing records: Scrutinizing the production documents of the involved vehicle parts can reveal lapses in quality control or deviations from safety standards.
  • Conducting independent tests: In some cases, we commission independent testing of similar vehicle models or parts to demonstrate a defect's presence and potential for causing harm.
  • Analyzing accident reports and medical records: A thorough review of the details documented in accident reports and the injuries recorded in medical records helps correlate the impact of the defect with the injuries sustained.
  • Investigating similar incidents: Identifying and examining reports of similar defects or injuries associated with the same vehicle or component can strengthen the claim by establishing a pattern of negligence.

At Turner Law Group, our team has the expertise to handle such cases with diligence and attention to detail. We aim to hold negligent parties accountable and help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Real People, Real Results

Over Millions Recovered for Those Injured
  • $1.1 Million Auto Accident
  • $4.25 Million Product Liability/Construction Injury
  • $1.125 Million Auto Accident
  • $2.9 Million Semi v. Auto Accident

    A truck driver crossed center grass median on the interstate, struck the client head-on causing her death.

  • $325,000 Truck v. Auto
  • $465,000 Premises Accident

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FAQs

Common Answers To Your Questions
  • What qualifies as a personal injury?

    A personal injury generally refers to any bodily injury sustained in an accident, from minor bruises to severe brain trauma. The most common personal injury claims arise from harm sustained from traffic wrecks, slip and fall accidents, defective products, dangerous property conditions, and medical malpractice.

  • What is the personal injury statute of limitations in Illinois?

    Under state law, the statute of limitations (or deadline) for most personal injury claims in Illinois is two years from the date of the accident. However, for claims against governmental agencies, there are special limitation periods that may be as short as a year. You should always consult with an attorney on what particular limitations period might apply to your claim. You should seek legal help immediately, as a delay may be fatal to your claim. Unless you have a special exception, your claim will be thrown out if you attempt to file after the limitations period has passed.


    Because every personal injury claim is different, it is difficult to determine an average settlement. A victim who lost a limb will likely need to receive more in medical expenses than someone who broke an arm, for instance. Although personal injury claims tend to average anywhere between $3000 to $75,000—an extremely broad range—there may be significant economic and noneconomic factors in your individual case that may indicate that your particular claim would be valued at a significantly higher figure at trial in front of a jury. An attorney can help you estimate your unique losses based on the facts of your case. The knowledge of an attorney experienced in jury verdict value is extremely important. You should be entitled to make up for your specific losses at the very least.
     

  • What evidence is needed for a personal injury claim?

    Necessary evidence can vary case by case depending on the specifics of your situation. However, one of the most helpful pieces of evidence is your medical records. If you can prove that you sought medical attention for a serious injury after an accident, you are more likely to receive compensation to cover the expenses associated with said injury. Other helpful evidence includes any photographs of the accident scene, accident reports, witness statements, insurance forms, receipts, and any other physical evidence related to the injury.

  • What is the average settlement for a personal injury?

    Because every personal injury claim is different, it is difficult to determine an average settlement. A victim who lost a limb will likely need to receive more in medical expenses than someone who broke an arm, for instance. This means that personal injury claims tend to average anywhere between $3000 to $75,000—an extremely broad range. An attorney can help you estimate your unique losses based on the facts of your case. You should be entitled to make up for your specific losses at the very least.