Defective Vehicles Attorneys in Kansas City, Missouri

Our vehicles are among the most integral possessions we have and play a large role in everything we do, from work to recreation, and travel. The importance our cars have in our lives—along with the significant financial investment involved in purchasing a car—means we have a lot to depend on our vehicles. If your car is defective, and the defect results in an accident or malfunction, it can have devastating results. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to a defective vehicle, you have the right to take legal action to pursue fair financial compensation for the damage you have suffered. With the help of an attorney with experience in handling defective vehicle claims, you can build a strong case and put yourself in a position to seek a favorable outcome. If you are looking for legal representation in your defective vehicle claim, reach out to us at SJP Sifers Jensen Palmer today. We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Kansas City, Missouri area, as well as far south as Springfield. 

How to Know If You Have a Defective Car Case

From a legal standpoint, a “defective car” is a vehicle that has a design or manufacturing flaw that poses an actual safety hazard. This can include defects that result in malfunctions or accidents. This would not include cosmetic issues such as scratches or painting errors. Some of the more common types of safety-related vehicle defects include: 

• Faulty fuel lines: A problem with a vehicle’s fuel system can lead to dangerous safety or fire hazards. 

• Defective seatbelts: A vehicle’s seatbelts are one of its key features to protect passengers, meaning a problem can compromise the safety of people in the vehicle. 

• Airbag problems: An airbag that fails to deploy or deploys improperly not only leaves passengers vulnerable but the airbag itself can also become dangerous. 

• Defective seats: Problems with a vehicle’s seats can pose a significant safety risk to passengers. 

• Vehicle rollovers: If a vehicle is prone to rolling in an accident, the risk of severe injury or death to passengers increases. 

• Faulty ignition systems: Electrical issues can result in electric shocks, fire hazards, or accidents occurring due to malfunctions. 

• Flawed design or manufacturing errors: If a vehicle is flawed from the outset (meaning it was designed or manufactured improperly), a variety of safety risks can be present. 

If your vehicle contained a physical, mechanical, or electrical issue that resulted in damage or injury to you or anyone else, you may have grounds to file a defective vehicle claim to seek compensation. Speaking with an attorney will help you assess your situation to determine the best path forward. 

How to Pursue a Defective Vehicle Claim 

If you and your attorney determine that your situation meets the requirements to file a defective vehicle claim, your case will hinge on a few significant factors that must be established. A defective vehicle claim falls under the general umbrella of product liability. As such, a successful claim will need to show the following: 

• The vehicle, as it was made, contained a defect that created an unreasonably dangerous risk. This can be a defect in its original design, a defect that occurred during manufacturing, or even a defect that resulted from a failure to warn or properly instruct the user of potential risks during use. 

• The defect resulted in a malfunction or accident involving the vehicle. 

• The malfunction or accident (caused by the defect) resulted in injury or damage sustained by the plaintiff. 

If you and your attorney are able to establish the factors listed above, you can build a strong case that you should be entitled to compensation. 

Potential Compensation

A successful defective vehicle claim can potentially result in compensation in the form of: 

• Movie for medical bills 

• Reimbursement for lost wages due to an inability to work 

• Compensation for pain and suffering caused by the injury 

• Coverage for vehicle repair or reimbursement costs 

Each case is unique, which makes it impossible to guarantee any specific results. Your best option, however, is to work with an experienced attorney to seek the outcome you deserve. 

How a Skilled Attorney Can Help 

Legal matters of any kind are frustrating and confusing to people unfamiliar with the complex nuances and regulations found in state laws. Without proper representation, you are at great risk of losing your battle against the other party and missing out on your opportunity to obtain the financial compensation you need. A knowledgeable attorney with experience in guiding clients through the defective vehicle claim process can explain your options and help you make informed decisions as you pursue a fair resolution.