When defective brakes, tires, airbags, steering systems, or other vehicle components fail, they can cause sudden and serious crashes. A defective auto part claim allows you to hold the manufacturer responsible when a faulty design, improper assembly, or inadequate warning contributes to your injuries. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, LLC, we represent people across Denver who were hurt because a vehicle component did not perform safely. If you were injured because your car or another driver’s car malfunctioned, we can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Work With the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya?
We offer dedicated representation for defective auto part claims. Clients choose us because we provide:
- A thorough investigation into the defective component and how it contributed to the crash
- Access to engineers, investigators, and product safety professionals
- Skill handling claims against major auto manufacturers and parts suppliers
- Support and communication at every step of your case
- A focused strategy designed to pursue full compensation
- Representation backed by years of handling complex Denver injury cases
Understanding Defective Auto Parts and Product Liability
Product liability law holds manufacturers responsible when a vehicle part fails due to a design flaw, production error, or inadequate instructions for safe use. When a component fails without warning, the results can include brake loss, tire blowouts, steering lockups, airbag failures, or sudden stalls. These malfunctions often cause collisions even when you follow every safety rule.
Colorado law allows you to bring a claim against the company that designed, built, or distributed the part. We work to determine whether the failure resulted from:
- A defect present from the moment the part was designed
- A mistake during assembly or manufacturing
- Missing or unclear safety labels or instructions
Many components are covered under strict liability standards, which means you do not have to prove the manufacturer acted carelessly. You only need to show that the defect existed and caused the crash.
What Are Common Auto Part Failures That Lead to Injury Claims?
Vehicle systems rely on hundreds of components working correctly at the same time. A failure in just one part can cause a serious accident. We frequently investigate defects involving:
Brake failures
Hydraulic issues, worn materials, and faulty sensors can prevent a vehicle from slowing down. Defective brake systems often cause rear-end collisions or the inability to stop at an intersection.
Tire defects
Tread separation or sidewall failures can lead to sudden blowouts. High-speed tire failures often result in rollovers or loss of control.
Airbag malfunctions
Some airbags deploy too forcefully, fail to deploy at all, or release dangerous fragments. These defects have been part of major recalls in recent years.
Steering system defects
Loss of power steering, locked steering wheels, or misaligned components can make the vehicle impossible to control.
Electrical and fuel system failures
Faulty wiring, battery defects, or fuel system leaks can cause stalling, engine fires, or loss of power.
We analyze your vehicle, the accident scene, and all available evidence to determine how the defective part contributed to the collision.
Manufacturer Responsibility vs. Maintenance Issues
Not every mechanical failure results from a defect. Some failures happen because a part was worn out or improperly maintained. Determining which scenario applies is critical because it changes who is financially responsible.
We look at:
- Whether the part was installed correctly
- Whether the component failed before its expected lifespan
- Whether routine maintenance would have prevented the problem
- Whether the failure was sudden and unexpected
If the vehicle was reasonably maintained and the component still failed, the manufacturer may be responsible. We gather maintenance records, repair histories, inspection reports, and recall information to build a clear picture of what happened.
The Importance of Recall Information
Vehicle recalls help identify recurring defects that affect many drivers. If your car or part was part of a recall, the recall notice may help support your claim. However, you still may have a case even if no recall was issued.
A recall can point to:
- A known safety issue that the manufacturer acknowledged
- A defect that the company should have corrected sooner
- A failure that matches the pattern seen in your accident
We review recall bulletins, federal safety records, and consumer reports to determine how they relate to your case.
Pursuing Claims Against Auto Manufacturers and Parts Suppliers
Claims involving defective vehicle parts often involve large corporations and their insurance teams. These companies work hard to deny responsibility or blame the driver. We counter those tactics by preparing a strong, detailed case that clearly links the defect to your injuries.
Our process includes:
- Reviewing engineering data and design documents when available
- Working with specialists to reconstruct the failure
- Documenting the injuries, financial losses, and long-term impact of the crash
- Pursuing compensation for medical care, lost income, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering
Many cases resolve through negotiation, but we are prepared to take the case to court when needed.
Talk to a Denver Defective Auto Parts Attorney
If a faulty vehicle component caused your accident, you deserve answers and support. We can evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and outline the next steps. Contact the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, LLC for a free consultation so we can help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What evidence is helpful in a defective auto part case?
Photos of the vehicle, repair invoices, maintenance logs, recall notices, witness statements, and the part itself can all support the claim.
Do I still have a case if the vehicle was older?
Yes. Many defective parts fail long before they should, even on older vehicles. The car’s age does not automatically prevent a claim.
Can multiple parties be liable for a defective auto part accident?
Yes. Liability may extend to the part manufacturer, the vehicle manufacturer, the distributor, or even a repair shop if improper installation contributed to the failure. We review every stage of the part’s design, production, and maintenance to determine who is responsible.