Car Defects and Malfunctions: Hidden Dangers That Can Complicate Maine Personal Injury Cases

Automobile accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in Maine and across the United States. While many crashes are caused by driver error, a significant number are the result of something less visible but equally dangerous: vehicle defects and mechanical malfunctions. These hidden hazards can turn even a cautious drive into a catastrophic event. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we have seen firsthand how car defects can change the trajectory of a personal injury case and complicate the path to justice for injured victims.

A vehicle defect refers to a flaw in the design, manufacturing, or maintenance of a vehicle or one of its components. These defects can involve anything from brakes and airbags to steering systems, tires, or electrical wiring. There are generally two types of car defects that can lead to serious injury or death:

1. Design Defects – These are inherent flaws in the way a vehicle or component was conceptualized. For example, an SUV with a high center of gravity that increases its risk of rollover accidents may have a design defect.
2. Manufacturing Defects – These occur during the production process and often affect a limited batch of vehicles. A faulty airbag that fails to deploy due to improper installation would fall into this category.

In either case, the resulting malfunction can dramatically increase the risk of injury or make an accident far worse than it otherwise would have been.

Some of the most common — and most dangerous — vehicle defects include:

• Brake system failures
• Tire blowouts due to tread separation
• Airbag deployment failures
• Faulty ignition switches
• Sticking accelerator pedals
• Electrical system malfunctions that lead to fires
• Seatbelt latch or retractor failures

A well-known example of the danger posed by car defects is the recall of over 67 million Takata airbags, which could explode upon deployment and cause severe injuries or death. Even more recently, electric vehicles have come under scrutiny for battery fires and braking issues. These high-profile recalls illustrate how widespread and serious vehicle malfunctions can be.

When a defective vehicle part contributes to or causes an accident, it can significantly alter how a personal injury case is handled. Under Maine law, victims of motor vehicle accidents may be entitled to compensation not only from the at-fault driver but also from the car’s manufacturer, distributor, or even a repair shop if negligence or a defect is involved.

This is where a case becomes more complex. Product liability laws come into play, which allow injured parties to sue manufacturers or sellers of defective products. These cases require extensive investigation and expert testimony to prove that:

• The vehicle or part was defective;
• The defect existed when the vehicle left the manufacturer’s control;
• The defect caused or worsened the plaintiff’s injuries.

Unlike standard negligence cases, product liability claims can be brought even if the manufacturer was not negligent — as long as the product was unreasonably dangerous. This principle, known as “strict liability,” can help ensure victims are compensated even if no one person or company intended harm.

Establishing a car defect in a legal setting is not simple. At Peter Thompson & Associates, our legal team can work with seasoned automotive experts, engineers, and accident reconstructionists to pinpoint how a defect may have contributed to a crash. We also examine recall records, maintenance logs, and manufacturer communications to uncover any history of similar problems.

It is crucial for accident victims to preserve the vehicle involved in a crash whenever a defect is suspected. If the car is repaired or scrapped before it can be examined, valuable evidence may be lost.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Maine and suspect a defect played a role, seeking legal guidance as soon as possible is critical. The complexities of these cases often require an experienced legal team that understands both personal injury and product liability law.

At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable — whether that means a reckless driver, an automaker, or a parts supplier. Our firm has successfully represented clients in some of the most complex accident cases in the state, recovering millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements.

Car defects and malfunctions are more than just technical issues — they are potential time bombs that can cost lives. When these dangers contribute to a crash, injured individuals deserve full and fair compensation. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident and believe a defect may be involved, contact Peter Thompson & Associates for a free consultation. Let us help you uncover the truth and fight for the justice you deserve.