The short answer: A car mechanical defect accident occurs when a hidden flaw in a vehicle part, such as faulty brakes, a blown tire, or steering or accelerator issues, causes or worsens a crash. When that happens, you may have a claim against the company that made or installed the part, and these cases often involve both a negligence claim and a product liability claim. In South Carolina, you generally have three years to file, and you can still recover as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault.
Driving through Greer should feel routine. But when your brakes fail to respond, or the car suddenly pulls to one side, that routine turns terrifying in a heartbeat. If a part failure caused your crash, you’re probably wondering what you could have done differently. The honest answer is usually nothing. When a vehicle or one of its parts is defective, responsibility may rest with the manufacturer rather than with you. Here’s what you need to know, and Briggs Law Group offers a free consultation to help you make sense of it.
In this article, our Greer car accident lawyer discusses:
– Common defective parts that cause crashes
– What a latent defect is and why it matters
– Negligence claims versus product liability claims
– Who can be held liable
– What evidence helps prove your case
– South Carolina’s fault rules and filing deadline
Can a Defective Car Part Really Cause a Crash?
Yes. A single faulty component can pull control away from even the most careful driver. Some of the most common defects behind serious crashes include:
– Faulty brakes that fail or respond slowly
– Defective tires prone to tread separation or blowouts
– Airbags that don’t deploy, deploy late, or deploy with dangerous force
– Steering system failures that make a vehicle hard to control
– Accelerator or throttle defects that cause sudden, unintended acceleration
When one of these parts fails at highway speed on I-85 or a busy Upstate road, the results can be devastating.
What Is a Latent Defect in a Car, and Why Does It Matter?
A latent defect is a hidden flaw that a reasonable inspection wouldn’t catch. Unlike a worn tire you can see, or a warning light glowing on your dashboard, a latent defect stays out of sight. Sometimes for months or years. Until it fails.
This matters for two reasons. First, it shifts responsibility away from you because you had no realistic way to find or fix the problem. Second, it can affect your filing deadline. Under the discovery rule, the statute of limitations begins to run from the date the injured party either knows or, through reasonable diligence, should know that a cause of action exists for the wrongful conduct. That can be key when a defect only manifests during a crash.
Negligence Claim or Product Liability Claim: Which Applies?
Both can apply to the same crash. A standard car accident claim is based on negligence, meaning another driver failed to drive safely. A product liability claim instead targets the company that designed, built, or sold a defective part.
Under South Carolina law, one who sells any product in a defective condition unreasonably dangerous to the user or consumer is subject to liability for physical harm caused to the ultimate user or consumer, and this rule applies although the seller has exercised all possible care in the preparation and sale of the product (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-73-10). That’s a meaningful difference. You don’t have to prove the manufacturer was careless, only that the part was defective and caused your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective Car Part?
More than one party may share responsibility. Depending on the defect, liability may fall on:
– The vehicle manufacturer, if the car itself was poorly designed or assembled
– A parts manufacturer, if a specific component, such as a tire or airbag, was defective
– A repair shop, if it installed a faulty part or did the work improperly
Sorting out who’s responsible takes investigation, which is one reason to involve Briggs Law Group early. Contact the firm for a free consultation to review what happened.
What Evidence Helps Prove a Car Defect Caused Your Crash?
Strong car defect cases are built on solid proof. The most valuable evidence usually includes:
– The vehicle itself, preserved and not repaired or scrapped
– Repair and maintenance records
– Recall notices and the vehicle’s recall history
– Accident reconstruction and testimony from engineers
If you can, hold on to the vehicle and all related paperwork. Once a car is repaired or junked, critical evidence can disappear for good.
How South Carolina’s Fault Rules and Deadlines Affect Your Case
Two South Carolina rules can shape a car defect lawsuit. First, the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so if you’re less than 51% at fault in a car accident, you can still recover damages, although your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Second, you generally have three years to file a personal injury claim in South Carolina (S.C. Code § 15-3-530). Miss that window, and you may lose the right to recover at all. Because defect cases take time to investigate, it’s smart to reach out sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Defect Accidents in South Carolina
How do I know if a defect caused my crash?
You may not know right away, and that’s normal. Warning signs include a recent recall, a part failure with no clear cause, or a crash that doesn’t match the road conditions. An investigation, including a close inspection of the vehicle, can help confirm the cause.
How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer about a car defect case?
Nothing up front. Briggs Law Group offers a free consultation, so you can find out whether you have a claim at no cost. Call 843-242- 0282 to discuss what happened with no obligation.
What if I were partly at fault for the crash?
You may still have a case. South Carolina’s comparative negligence rule allows recovery as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, with your compensation reduced by your percentage of fault. It’s worth having the firm review the details.
Talk to Briggs Law Group About Your Car Defect Case
A crash caused by a defective part isn’t your fault, and you shouldn’t face the medical bills and stress alone. Briggs Law Group helps injured individuals in Greer and across the Upstate understand their options and hold the right parties accountable.
Contact Briggs Law Group today for a free consultation. Call 843-242- 0282 to discuss your case.