A product liability claim may be filed against a manufacturer, installer, or others who have contributed negligently to an accident as a result of a defective or dangerous product. Those who illegally or negligently use these products knowing the hazards they cause, such as the dangers of colored fog lights, may be liable for any damages caused.
Those who are in a collision resulting from such a product may speak with an auto accident attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates based in New York to review their options to file a claim.
What are the possible dangers of colored fog lights?
Some motorists use colored fog lights on their vehicles despite the possible hazards they may cause. These lights may be distracting to some motorists, which could lead to an accident.
One of the dangers of colored fog lights is that they can interfere with an oncoming driver’s vision. This may unfortunately lead to extremely dangerous circumstances resulting in serious accidents like head-on collisions.
If you were injured as a result of a dangerous car product such as this, contact an auto accident attorney. By seeking legal counsel, you can learn what options may be available in receiving compensation for your injuries.
Laws Dictating Use of Colored Fog Lights
According to New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, state laws require motorists to take precautions in inclement weather. Drivers must turn on their headlights whenever the weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers to clear sleet, snow or rain, for example.
The DMV also makes mention of fog lights. Although colored fog lights come in a variety of colors including purple, blue and red, such colors may be against the law in your state. Some states only allow for certain colors of fog lights. In the state of New York, front fog lights must be white or amber in color. Rear fog lights must be red. They must also be approved by the Commissioner of the DMV.
So not only are colored fog lights a danger to others, they could also be illegal. As a result, the driver may be issued a ticket.
Filing a Product Liability Claim
If you were the injured party in a crash involving colored fog lights, you could be entitled to file a product liability claim and hold the driver responsible. Discuss your case with an auto accident attorney to review it and determine which party, or parties, may be liable.
Your claim must contain a few elements. Product manufacturers and other drivers owe a duty of care to their consumers and other drivers on the road. What’s more, driver’s owe a duty of care to other drivers on the road.
Breaching this duty may lead the party to be liable for any resulting damages. Proving that the colored fog lights are dangerous will likely be a major part of your case in this situation. With an increasing number of complaints being filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and reports on the dangers of colored fog lights, this shouldn’t be too difficult.
You must also demonstrate that the fog lights were the cause of your accident and injuries. This can be proven through your sworn testimony and evidence that the fog lights were in use at the time. A police report or eyewitness statements may be able to help.
Another element in your product liability claim is proving the extent and severity of your injuries. You will need to provide medical records that show the type of injuries you have sustained, and resulting damages like medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Contacting an Auto Accident Attorney in New York
Considering the possible hazards of these lights, those who choose to use them could be held liable in a product liability claim. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer and/or the driver.
To learn who may be at fault for your accident and injuries, consult with an auto accident attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates based in New York. Call 800-246-HURT (4878) to review product liability and how the dangers of colored fog lights may have led to your accident.
