Can a Car Manufacturer Be Held Liable for an Accident?

After a motor vehicle crash, many people assume that driver error caused the collision. However, in some cases, vehicle manufacturers may be partly or entirely responsible. When a defective auto part or faulty design contributes to an accident, injured individuals may be able to pursue compensation through a product liability claim. Although these cases are more complex than standard car accident claims, they are a powerful tool for holding auto companies accountable and securing full compensation.

What Legal Theories Can Support a Claim Against a Car Manufacturer?

Product liability claims typically fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Design Defect: The vehicle was inherently unsafe due to a poor or dangerous design.
• Manufacturing Defect: The vehicle was designed safely, but became dangerous due to a flaw in the assembly process or components.
• Failure to Warn: The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions that would have prevented the injury.

These cases require detailed evidence, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of federal safety standards and state product liability laws.

What Is a Design Defect?

A design defect claim alleges that the car was made according to specifications, but the overall design is flawed. For example, a vehicle that rolls over too easily or a gas tank positioned in a vulnerable area could support this type of claim.

To succeed, the injured party must typically show that:

• A safer alternative design was feasible;
• The risk of harm outweighed the product’s utility; and
• The defect was a direct cause of the accident or injuries.

Courts in Maryland may apply either the consumer expectation test—whether an average person would consider the car unreasonably dangerous—or the risk–utility test, which weighs the danger against the benefit of the design.

How Can a Manufacturing Defect Cause an Accident?

Manufacturing defects occur when a specific car or part deviates from its intended design. These issues may arise due to faulty materials, improper installation, or missed inspections. Examples include:

• Faulty brakes or airbags
• Loose steering components
• Poorly welded frames
• Substandard wiring

To prove a manufacturing defect, plaintiffs often rely on expert mechanical analysis, production records, or product recalls. If the flaw existed when the vehicle left the factory and contributed to the crash, strict liability may apply, meaning the manufacturer can be held liable regardless of negligence.

What Is a Failure to Warn?

Some vehicles are reasonably safe when used as intended, but manufacturers may still be held liable if they fail to warn consumers about known dangers. Examples of a failure to warn include:

• No notice about the need for regular safety checks.
• Inadequate instructions for using new driver-assist technology.
• Failure to disclose risks associated with certain driving conditions.

Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the warning was inadequate and that a proper warning would have changed their behavior or prevented the injury.

What Defenses Do Car Manufacturers Use?

Auto companies often raise several defenses to avoid liability:

• State-of-the-Art Defense: Arguing that the design or manufacturing method reflected the best available technology at the time.
• Vehicle Modification: Claiming the vehicle was altered after purchase, which led to the malfunction.
• Misuse: Arguing the driver operated the vehicle outside of normal, foreseeable use.
• Compliance with Federal Standards: While not a complete defense, proof of compliance with regulations like those from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can weigh in the manufacturer’s favor.
• Comparative Fault: If your own negligence contributed to the crash, your compensation may be reduced under Maryland’s contributory negligence rules.

These defenses make it essential to gather strong evidence and work with an experienced legal team from the outset.

Holding a Manufacturer Accountable with a National Harbor Car Accident Lawyer

If a defective vehicle or auto part contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer. These claims are highly technical and require in-depth investigation, but they can result in full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At the Law Offices of Duane O. King, our legal team investigates every possible source of liability after a serious crash, including vehicle design and manufacturing issues. We work with engineers, safety experts, and investigators to build strong cases and hold automakers accountable.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a National Harbor Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King

If you were injured in a crash and suspect a defect played a role, don’t delay. Contact a National Harbor car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King for a free case review. Call 888-740-KING (5464) or complete our online form today. With offices in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.