Chicago Auto Defect Attorneys
Motor vehicle and parts manufacturers put thousands of motorists at risk every day when they sell cars, trucks, and SUVs with defective components. Nearly every week, car recalls caused by design flaws, manufacturing defects, and low-quality materials make headlines. In many cases, these warnings are too late. Although their faulty auto parts cause catastrophic accidents, serious injuries, and even fatalities, manufacturers try to minimize their liability and avoid taking responsibility for the harm they cause. They prioritize their profits instead of human safety, and they need to be held liable.
Our auto defect attorneys at Ankin Law have the experience, resources, and legal firepower to win against vehicle and parts manufacturers, and we want to hear about your case. If a negligent manufacturer caused your injuries, we’ll help you file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your losses.
When you hire Ankin Law for your defective vehicle case, you’ll benefit from:
- Over 150 years of collective experience
- More than 90 skilled attorneys and staff members on your side
- 24/7 availability
- No upfront fees
- Only pay if we win
Call (312) 600-0000 now to see if you qualify for a lawsuit. Free consultations are available, and there’s no fee unless you win.
Ankin Law Has Recovered Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Our Clients
Every multi-million dollar verdict we’ve secured started with a free consultation.
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How Ankin Law Can Help
At Ankin Law, we have a proven track record of handling auto part defect cases and holding negligent manufacturers accountable. Our legal team:
- Investigates accident reports, recalls, and manufacturer records.
- Works with automotive engineers and safety experts.
- Negotiates with manufacturers and insurance companies to secure fair settlements.
- Takes cases to trial when necessary to ensure victims receive full compensation.
Call (312) 600-0000 to discuss your legal options. We offer free consultations and there are no fees unless we win your case.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
This is a very good law firm. Being represented by them in a worker’s comp & personal injury case. If there are any issues with dealing with worker’s comp sending benefits payments, they stay on them and make sure that you’re receiving your benefits. Mr. Goldstein and his assistant Alex Quigley are amazing. She has made sure that I’ve received ALL of my benefits and responds to my emails in a timely manner, whenever I have questions or concerns about my case. My attorney Mr. Scott Goldstein is there when I need him to assure me that they have not forgotten about me and continue to push for a resolution of my claim.
Common Types of Auto Defects That Cause Accidents
Motor vehicle defects can occur in various components of a vehicle, from faulty brakes to malfunctioning airbags. Some of the most common defects that lead to accidents and injuries in Chicago include:
Defective Brakes
Brake system failures can prevent drivers from stopping in time to avoid a crash. Issues like defective brake pads, fluid leaks, or electronic malfunctions can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Faulty Airbags
Airbags are designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash, but when they deploy unexpectedly, fail to deploy, or deploy with excessive force, they can cause severe injuries instead. Manufacturers like Takata have faced massive recalls due to dangerous airbag defects.
Seatbelt Failures
Seatbelts are crucial safety features, but when they unbuckle during an accident, fail to lock, or have defective latches, they put passengers at greater risk of injury or death.
Tire Defects
Poorly manufactured or defective tires can cause blowouts, leading to loss of control and rollovers. Tread separation and sidewall failures are among the most dangerous tire defects.
Defective Steering Systems
A malfunctioning steering system can make it impossible for drivers to control their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Problems with power steering components, electrical systems, and steering columns can all contribute to accidents.
Fuel System Defects
Defective fuel systems can lead to leaks that pose serious fire hazards. Even minor collisions can turn deadly if fuel tanks or fuel lines are improperly designed or manufactured.
If these or other faulty auto parts caused your injuries, call (312) 600-0000 for Ankin Law. Consults are free.
Liability in Motor Vehicle Defect Cases
When a defective auto part causes a car accident or exacerbates injuries, multiple parties may be held liable. You may be able to file a lawsuit against:
- Vehicle Manufacturers: Automakers are responsible for designing and producing safe vehicles. If a defect stems from poor design or substandard manufacturing, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
- Parts Manufacturers: Sometimes, defective parts come from third-party suppliers. If a faulty component contributes to an accident, the parts manufacturer may share liability.
- Dealerships and Distributors: If a new or used car dealership knowingly sells a defective vehicle or fails to disclose known safety issues, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.
- Mechanics and Repair Shops: If improper repairs or maintenance contribute to a vehicle malfunction, the repair shop or mechanic may be liable for damages.
How to Recover Compensation for Vehicle Defect Injuries
The first step in recovering compensation for auto defect injuries is calling our experienced attorneys. The manufacturer will have their team of lawyers working to minimize or deny liability for your accident, and without an attorney on your side, your chances of getting them to pay for your losses are slim.
At Ankin Law, we’ve dealt with large corporations and their attorneys before, and we know how to counter their tactics with facts. Our legal team will gather evidence such as accident reports, manufacturer recalls, expert testimonies, and vehicle maintenance records to prove their faulty parts caused your wreck.
To recover compensation, we may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, the distributor, or other responsible parties. Depending on the nature of the defect, we may argue that the defect was caused by:
- A Design Flaw: The vehicle or part was inherently dangerous due to its design.
- A Manufacturing Defect: Errors in the production process resulted in a faulty product.
- A Failure to Warn: The manufacturer failed to adequately inform consumers about known risks or did not issue a timely recall.
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators, and we’ll work to get you a fair settlement offer from the manufacturer. If a settlement is not reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial to fight for maximum compensation.
What Types of Compensation Are Available?
The types of compensation available in your case will depend on your losses. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the ambulance bill, your hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: If the injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, a lawsuit can help you recover compensation for your lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering: You may also be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Wrongful Death: If a defective vehicle or component leads to a fatal accident, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
Find out how much your claim may be worth. Call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000.
Class Action Lawsuits and Mass Tort Claims for Vehicle Defects
When a defective vehicle or auto part causes widespread harm, victims may have the option to join a class action lawsuit or a mass tort claim. These legal actions allow multiple injured individuals to seek compensation from the manufacturer without filing separate lawsuits.
Class Action Lawsuits for Auto Defects
A class action lawsuit is filed on behalf of a group of people who have suffered similar harm due to a specific auto defect. Instead of each victim bringing an individual case, one or more plaintiffs represent the entire group. If the lawsuit is successful, compensation is typically distributed among all affected parties. Class actions can be an efficient way to hold manufacturers accountable, especially when injuries or damages are relatively uniform across the group.
Mass Tort Claims for Defective Auto Parts
Unlike class actions, mass tort claims allow victims to be treated as individuals, while still being part of a larger coordinated legal effort. This is often beneficial when injuries vary in severity, as each victim’s case is considered separately based on their unique circumstances. Mass tort claims are commonly used in cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, or long-term medical complications caused by auto defects.
Should You Join a Class Action or File an Individual Lawsuit?
Determining whether to join a class action, mass tort, or pursue an individual lawsuit depends on factors like:
- The severity of your injuries and financial losses.
- Whether a class action has already been filed for the specific defect.
- The potential for higher compensation through an individual claim.
At Ankin Law, our attorneys assess each client’s situation and provide guidance on the best legal strategy to maximize compensation. Whether through a class action, mass tort, or individual lawsuit, we fight to hold negligent manufacturers accountable.
If you suffered injuries because of an auto defect, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Call Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 for a free consultation.