A car crash can leave you facing painful injuries, medical bills and missed paychecks, even when you did nothing to cause the accident. If you were riding in someone else’s car, you might wonder whether you have any options when a faulty vehicle part contributed to your injuries. You do not have to own the car to explore a possible claim.
Here is what you need to know.
When a defective car part may support a claim
You may have a product liability claim if a faulty vehicle part caused the crash or made your injuries worse. For example, a defective tire might cause a driver to lose control, while a faulty seat belt could increase your injuries during a collision. A crash alone does not prove a defect, so the evidence must help connect the part’s failure to your harm.
What might not support a claim
If a part wore out through ordinary use, suffered damage in the crash or failed because someone used or maintained it improperly, the circumstances might not support a product liability claim. A mechanic’s inspection or other expert review may help distinguish a defect from wear, damage or misuse.
Who may be responsible for the defect
The vehicle or parts manufacturer may bear responsibility, depending on what caused the failure. In some cases, another company involved in selling or modifying the part could also face a claim. You do not need to have purchased the vehicle yourself to pursue a claim against a responsible party.
Under Oklahoma law, special rules can also affect when you can hold a seller responsible if the seller did not manufacture the product.
Protect your right to seek compensation
A defective part may give you another way to seek compensation beyond a claim involving the driver’s actions. Get medical care, preserve relevant evidence and ask an Oklahoma product liability attorney to review your records and explain your options. An attorney can help determine whether the evidence supports a claim and which parties might be responsible for your injuries.
