The majority of car accidents are indeed caused by human error. Most of the time, a crash happens because the driver makes a mistake, such as running a red light or tailgating another vehicle.
However, there are also cases where the vehicles themselves may be defective, leading to serious accidents and injuries. Even an attentive and safe driver may not be able to prevent a crash if their vehicle is defective.
Accelerator pedal defects
For example, over the years, there have been reports of accelerator pedals getting stuck, making it difficult or impossible to stop the vehicle. The vehicle then keeps accelerating, putting everyone around it—and inside of it—in extreme danger.
One recent example involves the Tesla Cybertruck. Thousands of these vehicles are being recalled because the accelerator can become trapped under the rubber flooring. While the recall is expected to address this issue and make the vehicles safe again, it only takes one driver with a stuck pedal to cause a serious crash.
Making injuries worse
Some automotive defects may not directly cause accidents but can make the injuries suffered in those accidents more severe. One example is the defective airbags sold by a company called Takata to auto manufacturers in the United States. These faulty airbags were responsible for dozens of deaths. Like the Tesla Cybertruck, these vehicles were also recalled to address the problem, but not before many serious accidents had already occurred.
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident or suffered significant injuries, make sure you know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs.