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Auto Defect Lawyer in Memphis
If you were hurt because a vehicle or vehicle part failed, you may have a powerful legal claim. At John Michael Bailey Injury Lawyers — Memphis, our auto defect lawyers combine product-liability expertise, on-the-ground crash investigation experience, and aggressive negotiation and litigation to hold manufacturers and suppliers accountable.
Why choose our Memphis auto defect attorneys
- Proven product-liability experience. We handle complex cases involving airbags, seatbelts, brakes, fuel systems, tires, electronic controls (including software-related failures), and more.
- Real investigation resources. Our team partners with accident reconstructionists, safety engineers, and medical experts to document defects and causation.
- Track record of recovery. We take cases to trial when needed and pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering, and future care.
- No fee unless we win. Free consultation; contingency fee representation so you can pursue justice without up-front legal bills.
Common auto defect cases we handle
- Faulty airbags (non-deployment or unintended deployment)
- Defective brakes or brake hoses causing loss of stopping power
- Steering or suspension failures (rollaway, loss of control)
- Fuel system defects (leaks, fires)
- Faulty seat belts or attachments
- Tire defects (tread separation, blowouts)
- Electronic stability control, ADAS, or software failures that cause crashes
Recent industry context & why defects matter
- In recent years the U.S. has seen millions of vehicles recalled for safety defects; federal reporting shows large recall volumes and many recalls still affecting millions of vehicles on the road. (NHTSA)
- In 2024 the NHTSA’s early estimates put U.S. traffic fatalities and serious crash figures near recent multi-year levels — underscoring the human cost when vehicles or parts fail. (Crash Stats)
- Recall activity remains high year-to-year: in 2024 there were over 1,000 recalls across vehicles and related equipment, affecting tens of millions of products and vehicles.
What to do if you suspect an auto defect caused your crash
- Seek medical care immediately — your health and documentation of injuries matter for both care and legal claims.
- Preserve evidence — keep the vehicle (if safe), photographs, repair/recall notices, and part labels. Don’t let the car be altered (repairs, towing without photos) before we evaluate it.
- Get the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic or forensic expert — we can arrange forensic examination and parts preservation.
- Report the defect/accident to NHTSA (SaferCar.gov) and your insurer — we’ll use those records.
- Contact an auto defect lawyer right away — statutes of limitation and evidence preservation windows can be short. You contact John Michael Bailey Injury Lawyers for a FREE Consultation. With over 45 years’ experience in personal injury and a passion to help people you will be in good hands!
How auto defect claims work (simple)
- Who may be liable: manufacturer, parts supplier, distributor, dealer, or sometimes a third party (e.g., aftermarket part maker).
- Types of legal theories: strict product liability (defect + causation + injury), negligence, breach of warranty, and sometimes negligence per se (violation of safety regulations).
- Common evidence: crash data recorders, vehicle inspection reports, maintenance records, design/specification documents, recall notices, internal manufacturer communications, and expert testimony.
- Compensation available: medical expenses (past & future), lost income, diminished earning capacity, property damage, pain & suffering, punitive damages in egregious cases.
Typical timeline in auto defect cases and, what to expect
- Immediate (days–weeks): medical care, evidence preservation, preliminary vehicle inspection.
- Early investigation (weeks–months): expert testing, obtaining manufacturer records, checking recall/TSB history.
- Negotiation or litigation (months–years): many product-liability claims settle after expert discovery; some require trial to achieve fair recovery.
Real examples (how we use recall and defect data)
When federal recall records show an open safety recall for the same model and component involved in a crash, that evidence strengthens causation and notice theories. We routinely correlate NHTSA recall IDs and manufacturer bulletins with accident evidence to build cases. (NHTSA)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in Auto Defect Cases
Q: What is an “auto defect” case?
A: An auto defect case alleges that a vehicle or component had a design, manufacturing, or warning defect that caused injury. Auto defect claims often require engineering experts to prove the defect and causation.
Q: How are recalls different from defects?
A: A recall is an action an automaker or the government orders to remedy a safety issue. Not every recall means someone will be injured, but recall documents and safety bulletins are strong evidence in defect litigation. (NHTSA)
Q: Can I bring a claim if my vehicle was recalled but not repaired?
A: Yes — failing to repair under recall can factor into liability and damages. If the manufacturer knew of the issue and did not timely remedy it, that can strengthen a claim.
Q: How long will a case like this take?
A: Timelines vary. We aggressively investigate early to preserve evidence and pursue timely settlement; complex product-liability matters often take longer due to expert testing and discovery.
Q: How much does it cost to hire an auto defect lawyer?
A: We handle these on contingency—no attorney fee unless we recover for you. You’ll never pay court costs or expert fees out of pocket without our approval.
Q: Can I sue the manufacturer even if my dealer serviced the vehicle?
A: Yes. Dealers can be liable for negligent service in some circumstances, but manufacturers and parts suppliers are often the primary defendants in defect litigation.
If you or a loved one was injured in Memphis (or nearby) and you suspect a vehicle defect, call John Michael Bailey Injury Lawyers — Memphis now for a free, no-obligation case review. We’ll preserve evidence, investigate recalls and manufacturer history, and explain your options. Call 888-WE-FIGHT! — available 24/7. No recovery, no fee.
