Accident victims in Phoenix may be able to bring a products liability lawsuit

Phoenix, AZ – Some motor vehicle accidents happen not because of driver error, but because of serious mechanical problems or failures within the vehicle itself. There is an entire area of the civil law called products liability that is dedicated to holding manufacturers and distributors of defective products responsible for the injuries that they cause. Any victim that can show a dangerous or defective product design or oversights during the manufacturing process can prevail in a civil lawsuit and force the company to pay for their injuries and losses.

How does a products liability lawsuit related to a car accident happen?

If there is an accident and either driver’s car is found to have some kind of defect that resulted in the collision, one or both of the drivers may have a case against the manufacturer or distributor or the vehicle. There also may be standard negligence cases filed depending on the specific facts surrounding the accident. A car dealership, part manufacturer, shipping companies, and various others may all be joined as defendants in the lawsuit if they were in the chain of custody and had an opportunity to inspect the vehicle.

Theories of liability in products liability cases

There are a number of ways that a victim can try to show that the defendant company should be liable in a products liability lawsuit. Strict liability is a common theory of liability that says the company responsible should pay the victim for injecting dangerous products into the stream of commerce, regardless of any other factors. Strict liability is meant to encourage companies to do their own safety research and testing before they release any products. Standard negligence cases are also a common way that plaintiffs try to show that the company should pay for their losses. This is like a standard personal injury case that says the manufacturer was not careful enough and their carelessness was the actual and proximate cause of the victim’s injuries.

Damages in civil lawsuits

The main reason an accident victim brings a case is to be paid for their losses such as medical treatment, missed time from work and lost income, and property damages. Victims may also be able to receive non-economic damages for losses such as emotional pain, suffering, and trauma. In rare cases, there may also be punitive damages available to punish the defendant for reckless or malicious behavior.

Contacting a local law firm for more information

People who have been harmed during an accident in the Phoenix area have the option of bringing a civil case against the person or business responsible for their injuries. Southwest Injury Law is a trusted firm that assists local clients in the phoenix area.

Firm contact info:

Southwest Injury Law

4425 North 24th St., Ste. 225, Phoenix, AZ 85016

602-777-3300