Many car accidents in New York are caused by driver error. However, some accidents are the result of defects in the vehicle itself. These defects may involve poor design, errors during manufacturing, or a failure to provide warnings about known hazards. When a defective vehicle or part causes an injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be held legally responsible through a product liability claim. An experienced New York automotive product liability lawyer can help you determine whether a defective part played a role in your accident and guide you through the legal process.
What Is Automotive Products Liability?Sometimes, a car accident happens not because of driver error, but because something in the vehicle was built wrong, designed poorly, or didn’t come with a proper warning. If a defective part like a faulty airbag, brake system, or tire causes someone to get hurt, they may have the right to sue the company that made or sold the vehicle or part. This type of legal claim is called automotive products liability.
One of the most common types of product liability claims is called strict liability. This means that the injured person does not need to prove the manufacturer was careless. Instead, they must show three things:
A vehicle or part is considered “unreasonably dangerous” if it is more hazardous than an average person would expect, or if the risks of using it outweigh the benefits of the design. In some cases, people also sue for negligence (if the company didn’t take reasonable care) or for breach of warranty (if the product didn’t work the way it was promised to).
In Denny v. Ford Motor Co., 87 N.Y.2d 248 (1995), the plaintiff sued Ford after she was injured in a rollover crash while driving a Ford Bronco II. She claimed the vehicle's design made it unstable and more likely to roll over. The New York Court of Appeals ruled that even though the vehicle met federal safety standards, it could still be considered defective under New York law if it posed an unreasonable risk to drivers.
If you were hurt in a crash and think a defective car or part may be to blame, speak with an experienced New York automotive product liability lawyer who can help you understand your rights, investigate the cause of the accident, and fight for fair compensation. Waiting too long to get legal advice may put your case at risk.
What Kinds of Car Defects Can Lead to a Lawsuit in New York?New York recognizes three types of product defects: design defects, manufacturing defects, and marketing defects (also known as failure to warn).
Design Defects. A design defect exists when a product is dangerous due to the way it was designed. In these cases, all products manufactured according to that design are affected. The plaintiff must show that the product was not reasonably safe as designed; a safer, practical alternative design was available at the time of manufacture; and that the design defect caused the injury.
New York courts use a risk-utility analysis to evaluate design defect claims. This involves weighing the benefits of the design against the risks it poses. The plaintiff must show that the alternative design would have reduced or prevented the injury and would not have significantly reduced the product’s usefulness.
In Denny the Court of Appeals clarified that New York uses both the consumer expectations test and the risk-utility test. A product may be considered defective if it does not perform as safely as an ordinary consumer would expect or if the risks of the design outweigh its benefits.
Manufacturing Defects. A manufacturing defect occurs when a product is made incorrectly, even though the design itself is safe. These defects typically affect only some units. The plaintiff must prove that the product did not conform to the manufacturer’s specifications and that the deviation caused the injury.
For example, if a batch of seat belts were made with weak stitching and failed during a crash, those particular belts may be defective. The plaintiff does not need to show that a better design was available. The focus is on whether the product differed from how it was supposed to be made.
Marketing Defects (Failure to Warn). A marketing defect involves a failure to warn users about risks associated with a product. Even if the design and manufacturing are safe, the product may be dangerous without proper warnings or instructions. A manufacturer has a duty to warn about foreseeable risks that are not obvious to the average user.
Examples include:
New York law recognizes a post-sale duty to warn when a manufacturer learns of a danger after the product is in the market. This may include recalls or other safety notices.
Several legal theories may apply depending on the circumstances. Plaintiffs often pursue more than one claim to increase their chances of recovery.
Strict Liability. Strict liability is the most common theory used in product defect cases. The plaintiff does not need to show that the manufacturer was careless. Instead, they must show that the product was defective and that the defect caused the injury.
Manufacturers sometimes argue that their compliance with federal safety regulations should shield them from liability. However, courts in New York generally allow product liability claims to proceed unless there is a direct and unavoidable conflict between state and federal law. Compliance with federal standards may be relevant but is not automatically a defense.
In Williamson v. Mazda Motor of America, Inc., 562 U.S. 323 (2011), the U.S. Supreme Court held that a lawsuit could go forward even though the vehicle met federal seat belt requirements. The Court emphasized that federal regulations did not prohibit the state law claim, and that Congress intended for states to have room to impose additional safety responsibilities through tort law.
In Codling v. Paglia, 32 N.Y.2d 330 (1973), the New York Court of Appeals held that a manufacturer can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by a defective product, even to innocent bystanders, without proof of negligence. The case arose after a Chrysler vehicle suddenly veered into oncoming traffic due to an alleged steering defect, causing a serious crash. The jury found no negligence but concluded that Chrysler breached its implied warranty because the steering system was unfit for its intended use. The court affirmed that manufacturers are responsible when a defect is a substantial factor in causing harm, extending liability beyond users to bystanders. This case helped establish the doctrine of strict liability in New York product defect cases.
If you were hurt in a crash and believe a car defect played a role, it’s important to understand which legal arguments might apply to your case. You may be able to bring a claim based on strict liability, negligence, or breach of warranty, depending on the facts and available evidence. Each legal theory has its own rules and requirements, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. To protect your rights and build a strong claim, speak with an experienced New York automotive products liability lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Most Common Defective Car Parts in Lawsuits?Defects can affect the entire vehicle or a single component. Common problem areas include:
Each of these defects may raise different legal and technical issues. Thorough inspections and expert evaluations are often needed to determine what went wrong.
What to Do After an Accident Involving a Defective Vehicle or PartIf you believe a defect contributed to your accident, there are several important steps to take:
Acting quickly helps preserve evidence that may otherwise be lost. This includes electronic data from the vehicle’s event data recorder.
How Do I Prove a Car Defect Caused an Injury?To win a product liability case involving a car or car part, the injured person must prove that the product was defective and that the defect directly caused their injury. These cases often rely on detailed technical analysis and expert testimony to connect the failure of the vehicle or part to the accident. Experts may include:
Common types of evidence include:
In design defect cases, the injured person usually needs to show that there was a safer, practical alternative design available when the product was made. In manufacturing defect cases, the focus is on showing that the specific product didn’t match the manufacturer’s intended design or quality standards.
These cases are often highly technical and require strong legal support. An experienced New York automotive products liability lawyer can help gather the right experts, preserve key evidence, and build a solid case. If you believe a car defect caused your injury, it’s important to act quickly before records are lost or deadlines pass.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Car Defect Lawsuit?Plaintiffs may recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the manufacturer acted with gross disregard for safety. For example, if a company knew about a serious defect but failed to act, punitive damages may be available. In Walker v. Sheldon, 10 N.Y.2d 401 (1961), the New York Court of Appeals held that punitive damages may be awarded in fraud cases where the defendant’s actions show high moral blame and are aimed at deceiving the public. Although not a car accident case, it remains important because it explains when New York courts allow punitive damages. The court emphasized that compensatory damages alone are not enough to deter ongoing fraudulent or profit-driven misconduct. This case helps clarify how New York applies punitive damages to punish and discourage behavior that reflects willful dishonesty or reckless disregard for others' safety.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Car Defect Lawsuit in New York?If you were injured by a defective car or car part, there are strict time limits for taking legal action. These deadlines are called statutes of limitations, and they vary depending on the type of claim. Knowing which deadline applies to your case is important to protect your right to compensation.
Time limits for filing vary depending on the claim:
There are tolling provisions under CPLR § 208 for minors or people with mental incapacity. In cases of toxic exposure or latent defects, courts may apply a discovery rule in very limited situations, but this is rare for automobile accident injuries.
Calculating the statute of limitations can be complex. A missed deadline may bar your claim, so early legal advice is important. To make sure your case is filed on time, speak with an experienced New York automotive product liability lawyer who can evaluate your situation and help you take the right steps.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective automotive product in New York, don't wait to seek legal guidance. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses including medical bills and lost wages as well as non-financial losses. When it comes to personal injury claims, time is of the essence. Do not delay. Contact an experienced automotive product liability attorney serving New York at Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, Nassau County, Staten Island, Suffolk County, Bronx, and Westchester County.