Holding Automakers Accountable for Dangerous Defects
When a vehicle malfunctions and causes an accident, the consequences can be devastating. If a defective vehicle or auto part caused your injuries, you may have grounds to pursue compensation from the manufacturer or another responsible party.
Franklin Law represents injury victims and their families in Savannah, GA, and surrounding communities. We investigate vehicle failures, identify potential liability, and pursue compensation for clients harmed by dangerous automotive defects. We handle these cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
What Is an Auto Defect Claim?
An auto defect claim is a type of product liability case involving injuries caused by a defective vehicle or component. Unlike a typical car accident claim involving driver negligence, these cases focus on whether a vehicle’s design, manufacturing, or safety warnings contributed to the accident or injuries.
A defective vehicle attorney investigates three main types of potential defects:
Manufacturing defects: Errors during production or assembly that make an individual vehicle or component unsafe.
Design defects: Problems with a vehicle’s original design that create safety risks across an entire model or product line.
Failure-to-warn defects: Inadequate warnings or instructions about known safety risks associated with a vehicle or its components.
Common Types of Vehicle Defects
Vehicle defects include faulty safety systems and mechanical components that cause accidents or worsen injuries. Common examples include:
Defective airbags that fail to deploy or deploy improperly
Brake system failures
Tire defects and tread separation
Steering system malfunctions
Defective seatbelts and restraint systems
Roof structures that fail during rollovers
Fuel system defects that increase fire risks
Sudden unintended acceleration
If you suspect a defect caused your injuries, check your vehicle identification number (VIN) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall database.
A recall may provide useful information, but it does not automatically establish liability. Franklin Law investigates the circumstances surrounding your accident and whether a defective product contributed to your injuries.
Our firm also represents clients in other defective-product cases. Speak with a product liability attorney in Savannah to discuss your legal options.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A defective vehicle accident can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and lasting physical injuries. Depending on your case, you may be able to recover several types of damages, including:
Medical expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care related to your injuries.
Lost income and earning capacity: Wages lost during recovery and reduced future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact your injuries have on daily life.
Property damage: Expenses associated with repairing or replacing a vehicle damaged in the accident, when recoverable under the applicable claim.
Wrongful death damages: If a defective vehicle or component caused a fatal accident, eligible surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Available compensation depends on the accident circumstances, the extent of your injuries, and the evidence supporting your claim. Franklin Law evaluates these factors to pursue compensation that reflects the full extent of your damages.
How Franklin Law Handles Auto Defect Cases
Auto defect claims often require detailed investigations to determine whether a faulty vehicle or component contributed to an accident. Our team examines the evidence, identifies potentially responsible parties, and builds a case based on the circumstances of your injuries.
Step 1 — Free Case Review
We start with a free consultation to discuss your accident, injuries, and any signs of a vehicle malfunction. We’ll review available information, including vehicle details, accident reports, recall notices, and medical records, to assess your potential claim.
Step 2 — Investigation and Expert Analysis
Our investigation focuses on identifying the suspected defect and determining how it contributed to your injuries. Depending on the case, this process may involve vehicle inspections, accident reconstruction, automotive experts, and a review of manufacturer recalls.
Important: Preserve your vehicle and any defective components after the accident. Repairs, disposal, or alterations could destroy evidence needed to support your claim.
Step 3 — Building the Claim Against the Manufacturer
Once we identify the suspected defect, we evaluate which parties may bear responsibility and gather evidence to support your claim. Franklin Law handles communications with the opposing parties and develops a legal strategy based on your injuries, financial losses, and available evidence.
Step 4 — Settlement or Trial
We pursue a fair settlement that reflects the extent of your injuries and losses. If negotiations don’t produce an acceptable resolution, we evaluate your litigation options and discuss next steps with you.
Serving Savannah and Surrounding Coastal Georgia
When you need a vehicle defect lawyer, Franklin Law represents clients in Chatham County and communities throughout coastal Georgia. If a defective vehicle or auto part caused your injuries, our firm provides local personal injury representation focused on identifying the responsible parties and pursuing compensation.
Our service area includes Savannah and surrounding communities such as Pooler, Garden City, Tybee Island, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Hinesville, Brunswick, and Statesboro.
We also represent individuals injured in commercial vehicle accidents. If a defective truck component contributed to your injuries, speak with our truck accident lawyers about your potential claim.
What Our Clients Say
FAQ — Savannah Auto Defect Cases
How do I know if a vehicle defect caused my accident?
Unexpected brake failure, steering problems, or airbag malfunctions may indicate a defect. A vehicle inspection and accident investigation can identify potential causes. You should also check the NHTSA recall database.
Can I file a claim if my vehicle was recalled?
A recall may support your claim, but it doesn’t automatically establish liability. An attorney must determine whether the defect contributed to your injuries.
Who is responsible for injuries caused by a defective vehicle?
Vehicle manufacturers, parts manufacturers, or other parties may bear responsibility. Liability depends on the defect and each party’s role.
How long do I have to file an auto defect claim in Georgia?
Georgia generally allows two years for personal injury claims, but other deadlines or restrictions may apply. Review Georgia’s personal injury statute of limitations and contact an attorney promptly to avoid missing important deadlines.
Should I keep my vehicle after the accident?
Yes. Your vehicle may contain critical evidence of a defect. Don’t repair, sell, or dispose of it before consulting an attorney.
Does Franklin Law charge upfront fees for auto defect cases?
Franklin Law offers free consultations. Ask about contingency fees and potential case expenses during your initial review.
Get a Free Auto Defect Case Review — Franklin Law
If a defective vehicle or auto part caused your injuries, you deserve answers about what went wrong and who may be responsible. Contact Franklin Law to speak with a Savannah auto defects lawyer about your legal options and potential compensation.