What happens when a defective vehicle causes an accident in Iowa City?

Iowa City, IA – There are occasionally problems with cars that can become very serious if there is a sudden malfunction or defective parts that cause issues while a person is driving. From a legal standpoint, the companies that are involved with the manufacturing process can be liable, and they may issue a recall to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Anyone who was injured due to their mistakes or an improper design can file a products liability lawsuit. These are similar to other types of personal injury cases, but there are some important differences. 

Products liability law

As a general rule, companies that produce various kinds of products and release them into the stream of commerce are responsible for them to function as intended without causing injuries. In most cases, the business will be considered to either be strictly liable for not ensuring that their products were safe before releasing them, but the business may also be sued under a negligence theory. Because of this potential for losses, major car manufacturers routinely issue recalls as soon as problems are discovered to prevent additional accidents, injuries, and lawsuits.  

Types of defects

There are a few general types of problems recognized in products liability lawsuits. A defective design is when a product was created and designed in a manner that will cause problems such as injury or death, even when used for its intended purposes. This is because the company that created and designed the product did not conduct enough safety testing or other forms of research that would have discovered the problem before consumers were harmed. 

A manufacturing defect is due to some kind of mistake with one item or unit that caused it to be released in an unsafe condition. At times, there may be various companies in the manufacturing process of chain of custody that can be liable for their role in overlooking the problem. 

Damages for victims

As in other kinds of civil lawsuits, the victim can be compensated for any losses that are directly tied to the defective product and the negligence of the manufacturer. Damages generally include things like the costs of property repairs, medical treatment, lost wages, and non-economic losses tied to pain and suffering. If there are also projected future losses due to the victim’s inability to work or needs for additional healthcare, these become part of damages as well. 

Assistance from local personal injury firms

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices is a trusted firm that focuses on accident lawsuits in the Iowa City area. When someone needs help from a local attorney, the firm is available to schedule a meeting and discuss the process of representation.  

Firm contact info:

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices 

1921 51st Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-2400  

319-393-1020 

www.eellsandtronvold.com