Product liability statutes protect the consumer from defects in products and some services, which are the result of design flaws, manufacturing flaws, or misleading product information. In most cases, even if it's found that the user was careless or negligent in the use of the product, the manufacturer and/or the retailer of the product can be found liable. In cases of auto defects, the manufacturer, and possibly even the dealership that sold the vehicle, can be held liable for any flaws in the vehicle, and if a design flaw is detected in a certain model, the problem may have to be corrected in all vehicles of that model. It's not uncommon for vehicle manufacturers to recall all vehicles of a certain make or model in order to correct design or manufacturing flaws. Liability lawsuits concerning vehicle flaws are frequently pursued as class action lawsuits, in which a number of vehicle owners file suit together against the manufacturer. In class action suits, the damages are often significant and are divided among the plaintiffs in the suit. The laws differ among states, but generally you must file a product liability lawsuit within two years of the date of the injury. If you've been injured in an automobile and believe the accident was caused or made more serious by a design or manufacturing defect in the vehicle, contact an attorney.
