Understanding Product Liability Claims and How They Interact with Car Accident Injury Cases

Car accidents are often caused by driver error, but in some cases, a defective car part may be the real reason behind the crash. When that happens, your legal options may extend beyond a typical injury claim against another driver. You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the defective vehicle component.

If you’ve been injured in a Mississippi accident caused or worsened by a faulty part—such as failing brakes, defective airbags, or a tire blowout—it’s important to understand how these claims work and how they can impact your compensation.

What Qualifies as a Defective Vehicle Part?

A vehicle part may be considered defective if it fails to perform as intended due to:

• Design flaws – Unsafe by design, even if manufactured correctly (e.g., top-heavy SUV prone to rollover)

• Manufacturing defects – A production error that makes a specific item dangerous (e.g., improperly installed airbag sensor)

• Marketing defects (failure to warn) – Lack of adequate warnings or instructions on how to safely use the product (e.g., tire not rated for highway speeds)

Defective parts that commonly lead to crashes include:

• Brake systems

• Steering mechanisms

• Tires that shred or blow out

• Seatbelts or airbags that fail to deploy

• Fuel system components that cause fires

• Faulty throttle or cruise control systems

• Electrical failures that cut power to safety systems

How Is Fault Determined in a Defective Vehicle Accident?

When a defective car part causes or contributes to a Mississippi car crash, liability may rest with:

• The automaker

• The parts manufacturer

• The vehicle dealership

• The mechanic or repair shop (if they installed the part incorrectly)

• Any other company involved in the chain of distribution

Mississippi follows strict product liability laws. This means that you don’t have to prove the manufacturer was negligent—only that:

1. The product was defective,

2. It was used as intended or reasonably anticipated, and

3. The defect caused your injuries.

That said, these cases are fact-intensive and often require detailed investigation, expert testimony, and technical evidence to prove.

How Product Liability Works Alongside a Car Accident Injury Claim

If another driver hit you and a defective airbag or seatbelt worsened your injuries, you may have two claims:

• A personal injury claim against the at-fault driver

• A product liability claim against the manufacturer or seller of the defective part

You can pursue both claims at the same time, and they are handled separately. For example:

• The at-fault driver may owe you for causing the crash.

• The manufacturer may owe you for injuries that occurred because your vehicle didn’t protect you as it should have.

In some cases, the defective part is the sole cause of the accident—such as a tire blowout that causes you to lose control. In these situations, there may be no other driver to sue, and the product liability claim becomes your primary path to compensation.

Evidence You’ll Need to Support a Defective Car Part Claim

• The vehicle itself – It’s critical to preserve the car in its post-accident state

• Accident photos – Damage, skid marks, road conditions, and deployed safety systems

• Black box data – Many vehicles store crash data about speed, braking, and system failure

• Recall notices – If the part was recalled, that may help establish fault

• Expert analysis – Mechanical or engineering experts can inspect the part and explain how it failed

• Repair records – Evidence of who installed or serviced the part

Why These Claims Are More Complex Than Standard Car Accident Cases

Product liability cases often involve:

• Multiple corporate defendants

• Federal safety regulations and compliance records

• Engineers and design experts

• Large-scale recalls or litigation (such as class actions)

These claims are defended aggressively by automakers and suppliers with deep legal resources. Without strong representation, your case may be delayed, underpaid, or denied entirely.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If successful, a defective part claim may entitle you to recover:

• Medical expenses (current and future)

• Lost wages and loss of future earning ability

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Emotional distress

• Punitive damages (in cases of extreme corporate misconduct)

Call Attorney Bill Kellum For a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Mississippi, building a strong case often requires the insight and testimony of expert witnesses. The attorneys at Kellum Law Firm, P.C. work with trusted professionals to support your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.