Most of us never consider the details of designing and manufacturing a car. It is a complex task with several steps, however, and if the steps are not executed properly, this can result in an unsafe vehicle. Car accidents can occur when a car is unsafe due to latent defects caused by faulty manufacturing. If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by a manufacturing defect, you may be able to obtain compensation from the company that constructed the defective car. Establishing liability for a manufacturing defect is a complicated process, and it is in your best interest to hire an experienced New Hampshire car accident lawyer to handle your case. At Peter Thompson and Associates, our attorneys collectively have more than 60 years of experience helping residents of New Hampshire seek compensation. We know what it takes to win a manufacturing defect case and will work tirelessly to help you seek a favorable outcome.
New Hampshire Laws Regarding Manufacturing DefectsUnder New Hampshire law, any action brought due to injuries, property damage, or death caused by the development or manufacturing of a product is known as a product liability action. Product liability actions often allege multiple theories of liability, including strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty or breach of the duty to warn. The laws regarding product liability specifically permit people who have suffered harm in a car accident caused by a manufacturing defect to seek compensation from the company responsible for manufacturing the car.
In cases alleging negligence, your attorney must prove that the company owed you a duty of care, which it subsequently breached, thereby causing the accident and your harm. In a strict liability case, however, your attorney must show only that the car was defective and that the defect led to your injuries. The manufacturer may attempt to avoid liability by arguing that some other intervening force was the actual cause of the accident. For example, it may argue that the car was modified in some way after it was manufactured, and the modification caused the defect. A seasoned car accident attorney will know which information is needed to assist you in showing liability and will conduct discovery to help you obtain evidence in support of your claims.
Showing How a Manufacturing Defect Caused Your HarmCar accident lawsuits alleging that a manufacturing defect caused an accident to occur are generally more complicated than standard car accident cases. In cases in which a party alleges facts that are beyond the comprehension of the average person, experts are needed to offer opinions to assist the jury or judge in understanding certain concepts so that they can accurately assess liability. In most manufacturing defect cases, a victim’s lawyer will need to obtain one or more experts to offer an opinion regarding the manner in which the production of the car deviated from the intended design. You may also need an expert to opine that you sustained injuries due to the accident, explain the extent of your injuries, and discuss any future treatment that you need.
Damages Recoverable Following a Car AccidentIf you were involved in a car accident caused by a manufacturing defect, you may be entitled to compensation for repairing any property damage caused by the accident, as well as the cost of any medical care needed to treat injuries sustained in the accident. If you were unable to work following the accident, you may be able to recover lost wages as well. A victim may also be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering caused by their injuries. If they were married at the time of the accident, their spouse may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium.
Explore Your Options With an Experienced New Hampshire AttorneyThe companies that manufacture cars are responsible for ensuring that their cars are safe. If you suffered harm due to a car that was manufactured improperly, you may be entitled to recover compensation. At Peter Thompson and Associates, our attorneys can anticipate any obstacles to your recovery and help you formulate a strong case that will assist you in seeking damages. Our knowledge of what it takes to recover damages in a New Hampshire car accident case has resulted in a consistent record of successful verdicts and settlements. We have offices in Bedford, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Manchester, and we represent victims throughout New Hampshire. Contact us at 800.804.2004 or via our online form to set up a free consultation.