Proof of specific defects in the manufacture of vehicles involve defects in design, assembly and lack of proper warnings. Success in these claims requires knowledge of the auto industry process of designing and building vehicles as well as the structure of the industry and specific companies to know where to look for documentation and witnesses. There are over 15,000 individual parts in most modern vehicles including sophisticated electronic components and computers. The great majority of these parts are made by suppliers and sold to the car companies for assembly. Proof of a defect caused by a worn metal stamping machine located in Mexico or Indonesia can require focused research and investigation by attorneys who know what and where to look.
Testing and documentation of compliance with safety standards such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards [FMVSS] established by the National Transportation and Highway Safety Administration [NTHSA] are requirements of law. There are also many standards and practices in vehicle design and production that can be proven by industry practices and research by groups such as the Society of Automotive Engineers [SAE].
The choice of experts in collision investigation and industry practices is a key component of proper case preparation. Early inspection and preservation of evidence is essential to establishing and proving these claims. The use of the right expert can make the difference between identifying a defect or overlooking crucial details to learning if a claim exists.
