A car that functions exactly as it should with no safety defects is essential to staying safe while on the road. Unfortunately, though, some cars are manufactured with defects or develop defects over time.
One part of the car that is of particular importance is the vehicle’s electrical wiring. Defective auto electrical wiring is an example of a defect that may increase risk of an accident, and thus should be corrected right away.
Signs of Defective Auto Electrical Wiring
Unfortunately, most electrical wiring defects are not obvious; it is not uncommon for a car owner to be completely unaware of an electrical wiring defect unless an accident caused by the defect occurs.
Sometimes though, signs of defective electoral wiring will be present, watch for the following things.
- Flickering car lights
- Flickering dashboard
- Loss of power in either lights or features such as power windows
- Strange smells (burning or melting rubber)
If you notice anything, you should have your car looked at by a professional mechanic immediately.
Notification of Defective Electrical Wiring
If your car has defective electrical wiring, but the defects are unknown to you, then you may learn about the problem through a notice from the car manufacturer. You can also check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if your vehicle is subject to recalls.
If your vehicle has a known electrical wiring defect, the manufacturer will notify you about it via paper mail. The notification will include details about the defect, as well as how to get the defective electrical wiring repaired. The repairs should be performed free of cost.
Dangers of Electrical Problems with a Car
Defective electrical wiring in a vehicle is nothing to fool around with, and if you receive notice of a defect, or if you notice the defect yourself, you should take action immediately. For example, in a 2014 recall of cars manufactured by the Chrysler Group, electrical systems defects were found to cause problems ranging from open flame burning, sometimes causing total burning of the vehicle and total vehicle loss.
In addition to the risk of fire, electrical wiring can also put a driver at in danger of these situations.
- An explosion
- Short-circuiting that causes an engine to stall or malfunction
- Electrical shock
Who’s liable for car electrical problems?
The manufacturer of a car with defective electrical wiring is liable for defects in the electrical wiring, and should pay for any repairs. If the defective electrical wiring results in an accident or causes an injury for a person, then the manufacturer of the vehicle may be liable for any damages under product liability law.
In short, product liability law is the set of laws that holds a manufacturer responsible for creating a product that is reasonably free from hazards. When a product is manufactured with a defect, then the manufacturer has violated that standard.
As a result, the manufacturer may be responsible for any damages that victims sustain.
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Cost of treatment
- Property damage expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of companionship in the event of a wrongful death
Speak with a Defective Product Attorney at Gacovino & Lake
If your vehicle has defective auto electrical wiring, take action immediately to get it repaired. If you have learned of the defects too late and have already been harmed in an accident caused by the defect, speak to an attorney. The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates can help you gather evidence and prepare your case, and will fight for your rights when filing a claim for damages. In New York, you have three years from the date of your injury to file a claim.
If you’ve been injured because a manufacturer didn’t provide you with a vehicle free from defects, you don’t have to accept it. You can take legal action today by calling our offices now at 800-550-0000 or using our online contact form to set up a consultation.
