Being involved in a car accident is difficult enough and it can be even worse knowing the accident was the result of a flaw in the car you thought was safe to drive. If you or a loved one has been in an auto accident that you believe was caused by a defect in the vehicle, you may have grounds to sue the manufacturer. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our highly skilled Miami products liability attorneys are committed to getting our clients the monetary damages they deserve.
A Tesla driver was killed when his vehicle burst into flames in Davie last week. According to police, the Tesla repeatedly caught fire after being brought to the tow yard. For some unknown reasons, the car swerved through three lanes of traffic, struck a median and some trees before catching fire. By the time an officer arrived at the scene, the Tesla Model S was engulfed in flames, burning the driver’s body beyond recognition. The Tesla was traveling at an estimated speed of between 75 mph and 90 mph according to eyewitness reports. The posted speed limit is 50 mph. It is unclear whether the crash was a result of a technical flaw in the car or because the driver experienced a health problem right before losing control of the car.
Potential Products Liability Claim
We rely on consumer products, such as cars, everyday and expect them to be safe. When a vehicle or the component of a vehicle malfunctions, the consequences can be devastating. There have been at least a dozen worldwide reported cases of Tesla batteries catching on fire in accidents as well as while being stationary over the last five years. Tesla could be held accountable for injuries resulting for car fires in product liability lawsuits based on a flaw in the product. In other words, if it determined that the Tesla fires were the result of a defect in the vehicle, the injured party could recover compensation through a products liability claim. Product liability refers to a manufacturer or seller being held accountable for placing a defective product into the hands of a consumer. There are three types of defects that may form the basis of a products liability claim:
- Design defects: this is when the design of the product makes it inherently dangerous. Since the design itself is flawed, design defects affect the entire batch.
- Manufacturing defects: this is when an error occurs during manufacturer or assembly of the product. The error could affect one product or the entire batch.
- Marketing defects: this a flaw in the way the product is marketed. For example, if improper labeling or inadequate safety warnings lead to a dangerous accident and injury, those failures could constitute an actionable marketing defect.
Hiring a Diligent Miami Products Liability Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash that you believe was caused by a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami products liability attorneys have the knowledge, skill and dedication to handle your case. Over the years, we have handled a multitude of South Florida injury accidents and can help you as well. For more information about your legal options after a wreck, do not delay in reaching out to us either through the phone at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or through our website.
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