In 2024, over 21 million vehicles in the U.S. were recalled due to 635 separate issues that posed safety risks. These recalls represent only known defects, and countless other vehicles with undiscovered defects remain on our roads.
When manufacturers put unsafe vehicles on the market, they put every driver at risk. At Zimmerman Law Offices, our auto defect lawyers help consumers fight against automotive companies prioritizing profits over safety.
Many of our clients have suffered personal injuries due to car defects. We have the skills and resources to pursue every car defect claim, helping our clients get the compensation they deserve. Our expertise has made us a Super Lawyer in class action and mass torts since 2017. Our legacy of excellence is also demonstrated by Thomas A. Zimmerman, Jr.’s recognition as a Top 40 Lawyer Under 40 in 2000.
Call today to schedule a free consultation. Keep reading to learn more about filing a defective car claim.
Understanding Auto Defects: When You Need an Auto Defect Attorney
If …
- Your vehicle is subject to a safety recall
- Your vehicle has experienced unexplained mechanical failures despite proper maintenance
- You’re experiencing unexplained system failures
- You’ve paid for repeated repairs of the same issue
- The manufacturer has dismissed your concerns
- You’ve been injured due to a vehicle malfunction
… you may be dealing with an auto defect.
Attorney Thomas A. Zimmerman, Jr.’s background in computer science, business, and law makes him uniquely qualified to handle complex auto defect cases. We help clients navigate all types of issues, including the following.
Manufacturing Defects
Errors in vehicle assembly or component production that create safety risks.
Design Defects
Fundamental flaws in vehicle or component design that make the product inherently unsafe.
Warning Defects
Failure to properly warn consumers about known risks or provide adequate safety instructions.
Your Rights Under Federal Safety Laws
Vehicle manufacturers must meet strict federal safety standards established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When manufacturers fail to meet these standards, the consequences for consumers can be severe and far-reaching.
Our firm has extensive experience helping clients secure compensation for all types of damages. When dealing with a defective car, you may be entitled to recover:
- Repair costs
- Vehicle replacement
- Diminished vehicle value
- Medical expenses from defect-related injuries
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
These damages can add up to substantial amounts, especially in cases involving serious defects or injuries.
Many consumers don’t realize that even after a recall is issued, they may still be entitled to compensation for damages they experienced before the recall notice was published. Our firm can help you understand the full scope of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Common Auto Defects That Our Car Defect Attorneys Handle
At Zimmerman Law Offices, we’ve built a strong track record of success in auto defect cases through years of dedicated practice. Our deep understanding of vehicle systems and manufacturer obligations allows us to quickly identify potential defects and build strong cases for our clients. We regularly handle cases involving:
- Electrical System Failures: Causing sudden power loss or fire risks
- Brake System Defects: Including ABS failures and brake component malfunctions
- Airbag Defects: Including both deployment failures and dangerous deployment incidents
- Fuel System Issues: Leading to fire hazards and performance problems
- Steering Components: Causing loss of vehicle control
- Structural Design Flaws: Affecting vehicle crashworthiness
- Electronic Control Systems: Including acceleration and stability control problems
- Safety System Failures: From seatbelts to crash avoidance systems
These defects can manifest in various ways. Sometimes, multiple systems are affected simultaneously.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Auto Defects
Auto defect cases often involve multiple responsible parties. Identifying all potential defendants is crucial to securing full compensation for our clients. Through our thorough investigation process, we carefully examine the role of each party that helped get the defective car on the road.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Vehicle Manufacturers: Responsible for design flaws, production defects, and failure to warn about known issues
- Auto Parts Manufacturers: Liable for defective components that lead to vehicle failures
- Dealerships: Can be held responsible for selling defective vehicles or making unauthorized modifications
- Parts Retailers: May be liable for selling defective replacement parts
- Distributors and Shippers: Can be responsible for damage caused during transport and storage
Understanding these complex liability relationships allows us to build comprehensive cases that address all aspects of responsibility. This thorough approach often leads to more successful outcomes for our clients.
Our Investigation Process
A successful auto defect case begins with a comprehensive investigation. When you work with Zimmerman Law Offices, we implement a thorough investigative approach that includes:
- Vehicle Inspection: We work with certified automotive engineers to document and analyze all defects
- Record Review: We examine service history to rule out maintenance-related issues
- Similar Case Research: We investigate whether other consumers have experienced similar problems with the same make and model
- Expert Consultation: We collaborate with automotive engineers, safety specialists, accident reconstructionists, manufacturing experts, and other industry specialists to uncover all relevant evidence to support your claim
This methodical approach helps ensure we uncover all relevant evidence to support your claim.
Building Your Case: Evidence Collection
Proving an auto defect case requires detailed, comprehensive evidence collection and preservation. Our evidence-collection process includes:
- Preserving the defective vehicle and components
- Obtaining manufacturer testing data and internal documents
- Collecting maintenance and repair records
- Gathering witness statements
- Documenting all related expenses and losses
- Securing expert testimony to support your claim
This thorough approach to evidence collection has helped us secure numerous successful outcomes for our defective product clients. We understand that the strength of an auto defect case often lies in the details, and we leave no stone unturned in building your case.
Taking Action: Individual Claims and Class Actions
Every auto defect case is unique, and we carefully evaluate each situation to determine the most effective legal strategy. Our experience with both individual claims and class action lawsuits allows us to recommend the best path forward for you. When determining how to proceed, we consider:
- The scope of the defect
- The extent of your damages
- Whether others have experienced similar issues
- The manufacturer’s history of addressing similar problems
We’ll work closely with you to explain your options and help you make an informed decision.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Car Defect Lawyer
Don’t let large automotive companies dismiss your valid safety concerns. At Zimmerman Law Offices, we’ve successfully stood up to major manufacturers, securing both compensation for our clients and crucial safety improvements in the automotive industry.
Call us today for a free consultation about your auto defect case. Our Chicago office handles auto defect cases throughout Illinois and nationwide. Remember, most auto defect cases have strict time limitations – don’t wait to protect your rights.
