SANTA CLARITA AUTO DEFECT INJURY ATTORNEY

Was Your Accident Caused by a Vehicle Defect? The Answer May Not Be Obvious

Most people assume car accidents are caused by driver error. But in some cases, the real cause is a failure inside the vehicle itself—a brake that didn’t respond, an airbag that malfunctioned, or a steering system that failed at the worst possible moment. If you were injured in an accident in Santa Clarita, California, and something about the crash didn’t feel right, it may be worth asking a different question: Was the vehicle defective?

At the Law Office of Robert M. Mansour, we help clients identify whether a hidden vehicle defect may have caused or worsened their injuries.  We have attorneys in our network who focus heavily on these types of cases.

What Is an Auto Defect Injury Case?

An auto defect case is different from a typical car accident claim. Instead of focusing only on driver negligence, these cases involve product liability law, which holds manufacturers and related parties responsible when a defective vehicle or component causes harm.
In many situations, you may have:
  • A claim against another driver
  • AND a claim against a manufacturer or parts supplier
These cases often overlap—and require careful evaluation.

Common Types of Vehicle Defects

Auto defects generally fall into three main categories:

1. Design Defects: A flaw in how the vehicle or part was designed, making it inherently unsafe
(Example: vehicles prone to rollover accidents)

2. Manufacturing Defects: Errors during production that make a specific vehicle or component dangerous. (For example: improperly installed brakes or faulty airbags)

3. Failure to Warn: When a manufacturer fails to disclose known risks or provide proper instructions
(For example: failing to warn about a known tire defect)

Unlike standard injury claims, these cases often rely on strict liability, meaning fault can exist even without proving negligence.

Examples of Auto Defects That Cause Injuries

Defective vehicle components can lead to serious accidents or make injuries worse.
Common examples include:
  • Brake failures
  • Airbag malfunctions (failure to deploy or over-deployment)
  • Tire blowouts or tread separation
  • Steering system failures
  • Seatbelt or restraint system defects
  • Fuel system or electrical failures
When a vehicle does not perform as expected, the consequences can be severe—especially at highway speeds.

When a Auto Defect Doesn’t Cause the Crash—But Makes It Worse

One of the most important (and overlooked) concepts in these cases is: “Crashworthiness”
Even if another driver caused the accident, a defective vehicle can increase the severity of injuries.
For example:
  • A seatbelt fails during impact
  • A roof collapses in a rollover
  • An airbag deploys improperly
In these situations, the defect may not have caused the crash—but it may have made the injuries significantly worse.

Why Auto Defect Cases Require a Different Approach

Auto defect cases are often far more complex than typical accident claims.
They may involve:
  • Engineers and accident reconstruction experts
  • Vehicle inspections and data analysis
  • Large manufacturers and corporate legal teams
  • Technical documentation and recall history
These cases are not just about what happened—they’re about why it happened.

A Strategic Advantage in Complex Cases

Robert Mansour brings a unique perspective from his experience defending insurance companies earlier in his career. This allows clients to:
  • Understand how claims are evaluated behind the scenes
  • Identify when something doesn’t add up
  • Avoid premature conclusions about fault
  • Explore whether a defect played a role
You’ll receive clear, honest insight—not assumptions.

Signs Your Accident May Involve a Vehicle Defect

You may want to explore an auto defect claim if:
  • Your brakes or steering didn’t respond properly
  • An airbag failed to deploy—or deployed incorrectly
  • A tire suddenly failed without warning
  • The vehicle behaved unpredictably before the crash
  • Your injuries seem more severe than expected for the type of accident
Even if you’re not sure, it may be worth asking the question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue a car manufacturer for an accident? Yes, if a defective vehicle or component caused or contributed to your injuries.
Do I still have a case if another driver caused the crash? Possibly. You may have multiple claims involving both the driver and the manufacturer.
What if there was a recall? A recall can be important evidence—but even without one, a defect may still exist.
How long do I have to file a claim? In most cases, California law allows two years from the date of injury.  This time limit can change so check with a lawyer.

Serving Santa Clarita and Surrounding Communities

We assist clients throughout:
  • Santa Clarita
  • Valencia
  • Stevenson Ranch
  • Canyon Country
  • Saugus
  • Newhall
  • Frazier Park
  • Acton
  • Lancaster
  • Palmdale
  • Castaic
If you’re searching for a Santa Clarita auto defect attorney, experienced guidance is available.

Talk to a Santa Clarita Auto Defect Attorney Today

Not every accident is as simple as it appears. If you suspect something went wrong with a vehicle or component, it’s worth taking a closer look. Contact the Law Office of Robert M. Mansour to:
  • Evaluate whether a defect may be involved
  • Understand your legal options
  • Get clear, straightforward guidance
Call or text today to get started.

​Auto defect personal injury cases cover many different vehicle issues and often fall under the general umbrella of product liability law.  Some of the most common auto defects include:
  1. Faulty Airbags: In some cases, defective airbags in vehicles fail to deploy or do so with excessive force that causes serious injury.
  2. Brake Failures: Brake defects can lead to car accidents and injuries if the brakes don't work properly.
  3. Tire Blowouts: Defective tires can lead to blowouts causing accidents and injuries.
  4. Seatbelt Failures: Malfunctioning seatbelts can fail to restrain vehicle occupants during car crash leading to severe injuries.
  5. Electronic Control Module (ECM) Issues: Problems with a car's electronic systems such as sudden acceleration due to faulty ECM, can lead to serious accidents resulting in personal injuries.

Common vehicle manufacturer defenses include:
  1. User Error: Some car manufacturers might argue the injuries or accidents were caused by user error (improper maintenance, misuse of the vehicle, etc).
  2. Assumption of Risk: Manufacturers may claim that consumers were aware of potential risks associated with the product and chose to assume those risks anyway.
  3. Statute of Limitations: Manufacturers may argue that the plaintiff filed the lawsuit after the statute of limitations had expired. The statute of limitations is the amount of time within which a lawsuit must be filed or the plaintiff is forever barred.
  4. Lack of Causation: Some car manufacturers might dispute the link between the vehicle defect and the injuries claimed.

To increase the odds of a successful auto defect or product liability case, consider the following strategies:
  1. Document the Defect: Collect evidence (for example, photos, videos, and expert opinions) to clearly show the defect.
  2. Medical Records and Expert Testimony: Strong and detailed medical records and expert testimony can help show a direct connection between the defect and the injuries.
  3. Product Testing Results: If possible, provide independent testing reports that highlight the defect and the dangers of the defect.
  4. Recall and Complaint History: Highlight any recalls or consumer complaints related to the defect.
  5. Regulatory Violations: Demonstrate the manufacturer violated safety standards/regulations.
  6. Manufacturer's Knowledge: Show that the manufacturer knew of the defect and its dangers but failed to address it.
  7. Class Action Lawsuits: Consider joining similar class action lawsuits.
Consulting with an experienced lawyer who routinely handles product liability and auto defect cases. They can help you build a strong case and guide you through the legal process.

About Collision Avoidance Technology:

Collision avoidance technology (CAT) in some cars is designed to help prevent/mitigate crashes by using sensors, cameras, and algorithms. These are generally part of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and can provide an extra layer of protection. Here's how collision avoidance technology works:

  1. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB systems use sensors such as radar, lidar, or cameras to monitor the road. If it detects a collision with a vehicle or obstacle is about to occur, it can apply the brakes to either prevent the collision or reduce its severity.
  2. Forward Collision Warning (FCW): FCW uses similar sensors but instead of applying the brakes automatically, they warn the driver of an upcoming collision. This can provide the driver time to react and take evasive action.
  3. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): These systems use cameras to monitor lane markings. If the vehicle starts to drift from its lane without a turn signal, the system provides a warning or even steers the vehicle back into the lane.
  4. Blind Spot Detection: Radar or camera-based systems can monitor a car's blind spots and signal if there's a vehicle in the adjacent lane.  This warning may prevent collisions while changing lanes.
  5. Cross-Traffic Alert: This system warns drivers of approaching traffic, especially when backing out of a parking spot.

However, like any technology, collision avoidance systems are not infallible, and several challenges and potential issues exist:

  1. Sensor Limitations: Adverse weather conditions (heavy rain or snow), can affect the sensors such as cameras and lidar, potentially leading to false readings or reduced system effectiveness.
  2. Calibration Issues: Proper calibration of sensors is important for accurate detection/response. If sensors are not aligned or improperly calibrated, the system might not function very well.
  3. Overreliance on Technology: Drivers might become overly reliant on these systems, possibly leading to reduced attentiveness. It's important for drivers to remain engaged while driving and ready to take control of the wheel at all times.
  4. False Positives and Negatives: These systems may generate false alerts or fail to detect some obstacles, leading to unnecessary intervention or a lack thereof.

If there's a failure in collision avoidance technology, drivers may experience one or more of the following:

  • Lack of Warning: The system might not provide a warning when there's a potential collision risk.
  • Failure to Intervene: In the case of AEB, the technology might fail to apply the brakes or take other corrective actions when it should.
  • Erratic Behavior: The system may exhibit unexpected/erratic behavior ( i.e, false braking or steering interventions).
​
To know if there's a failure, drivers should:
​
  • Stay Informed: Be aware of the limitations of the collision avoidance technology in their car.
  • Monitor System Alerts: Pay attention to warnings or alerts generated by the system.
  • Regular Maintenance: Ensure the car's sensors and other components are maintained and calibrated.
  • Seek Professional Assistance: If there is suspicion of system failure, consult with the manufacturer or qualified technician to diagnose and address the problem.

WHAT ABOUT CENTER AIRBAGS?

While center airbags are not yet widely implemented in vehicles, the vehicle industry has been working on various safety features to enhance occupant safety.  Center airbags (also known as center-mounted airbags or front center airbags) deploy from the middle console or other location between the driver and front passenger seats. They provide additional protection in side-impact collisions and help prevent injuries when occupants collide with each other or with interior structures during a car crash.

Potential benefits of center airbags include:
​
  1. Reduced Head Injuries: Center airbags can help prevent head injuries by providing a cushion between the driver and front passenger during a side-impact car crash.
  2. Mitigation of Upper Body Injuries: These airbags can help reduce risk of upper body injuries by preventing occupants from colliding with each other inside the vehicle.
  3. Enhanced Side-Impact Protection: In side-impact collisions, occupants on the impacted side of the car are at higher risk of serious injury. Center airbags aim to reduce this risk by providing an additional layer of protection.

It's crucial to note that the effectiveness of any safety feature depends on various factors such as the specific design, the force of the collision, and the overall safety system of the vehicle.

For the most accurate safety information, one should consult the latest vehicle safety reports, manufacturer announcements, or regulatory agencies that oversee automotive safety standards.

It's important to note that while collision avoidance technology can enhance safety, nothing can fully replace a careful and responsible driver. Drivers should always remain attentive, follow traffic laws, and be prepared to take control of the vehicle when necessary.

​Robert Mansour can help advise you regarding your case.  He serves the entire Santa Clarita Valley including Valencia, Canyon Country, Saugus, Newhall, Castaic, Stevenson Ranch, and surrounding communities. Call Santa Clarita personal injury attorney Robert Mansour at (661) 414-7100 for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.  You can also fill out our Free Case Evaluation form.

Have you been injured due to an auto defect?

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