Chicago Car Defects Lawyer

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founder, Joseph Conboy who has years of legal experience. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

Last updated on: April 27, 2025

Joseph Conboy | April 25, 2025
Chicago Car Defects Lawyer

Car defects are dangerous. They can cause sudden failures on the road and lead to serious accidents. Drivers often trust their vehicles to work safely. But when a defective part fails, it can change lives in seconds. These failures can involve brakes, airbags, tires, or other key systems.

Conboy Law Injury & Malpractice Lawyers helps people injured by auto defects. We handle cases involving defective products, vehicle components, and motor vehicle defects. If a vehicle manufacturer made or sold a defective automobile, you may be able to file a claim. We focus on product liability and hold companies accountable. Our team knows how to deal with insurance companies, and we’re not afraid to fight for you.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a motor vehicle accident due to a defective vehicle, we’re here to help. You may have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

What Is a Vehicle Defect?

A vehicle defect means something in the car does not work as it should. This may be due to poor design, bad manufacturing, or missing safety warnings. Common defective products include airbags, brakes, and seat belts. Some problems only show up after extensive use, while others may cause issues right away.

Defective automobiles can lead to crashes, fires, or rollovers. When that happens, drivers and passengers may suffer serious injuries. These cases often fall under 735 ILCS 5/2-621 of the Illinois General Assembly, otherwise known as product liability law.

Product liability lawyers focus on proving the defect that caused the injury. That means showing the car or part was unsafe when sold. Defects can involve one small piece or the entire vehicle. Motor vehicle defects are serious. If a defective product harmed you, you may have a strong case.

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Difference Between Design Defects and Manufacturing Defects

Design DefectManufacturing Defect
Problem with the original design of the vehicle or partProblem during the process of making the vehicle or part
All units may be unsafeOnly some units may be affected
Example: a car model with a rollover riskExample: a brake line that was not sealed properly
Affects the entire product lineAffects only a batch or individual items
Often leads to recallsOften found after serious accidents

Common Types of Car Defects That Cause Accidents

Common Types of Car Defects That Cause Accidents
  • Defective tires: Blowouts or poor tread design that lead to rollovers or loss of control.
  • Brake failures: Faulty systems that reduce stopping power or stop working suddenly.
  • Airbag defects: Airbags that deploy without cause or fail during crashes.
  • Seat belt failure: Belts that unlatch or tear during a collision, increasing injury risk.
  • Steering issues: Defects that cause loss of control or unexpected turns.
  • Electrical system failures: Short circuits that cause fires or prevent safety features from working.
  • Engine or transmission defects: Sudden stalling or acceleration due to mechanical flaws.

What to Do if You Were Injured by a Defective Car

What to Do if You Were Injured by a Defective Car

Knowing what to do after an injury is important. A few steps can protect your health and your claim.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you are hurt, get help right away. Some serious injuries are not easy to see. Delaying care can make things worse and hurt your case. A doctor can check for broken bones, brain injuries, or internal damage. Keep copies of all medical records and bills. These will be needed later if you seek compensation.

Getting care also proves the injury occurred and that it was serious. Insurance companies often question delays in treatment. Don’t give them a reason to deny your claim. Medical treatment is a key part of your recovery and your case. Always put your health first.

Preserve the Vehicle and Do Not Attempt Repairs

Keep the car exactly as it is. Do not fix or move any part of it unless your lawyer says it’s okay. The defective part must be examined. Repairs could erase proof of the problem. Photos and expert reviews may be needed to show the issue.

Your car is the main piece of evidence in a product liability case. Treat it like evidence in court. If it’s towed, find out where it’s stored. Tell your insurance company not to junk the vehicle. Save all documents about the damage and repairs.

Report the Incident and Get a Police Report

After the accident, call the police. A report helps document the crash. It shows when, where, and how it happened. Police may also write down what parts failed or what went wrong. This can help in proving a defective vehicle caused the crash.

Make sure to ask for a copy of the report. Give it to your product liability lawyer as soon as possible. Without a report, it’s your word against theirs. Always create a paper trail.

Document Everything (Photos, Injuries, Recalls, Maintenance History)

Take clear photos of the damage. Include wide shots and close-ups of the defective part. If you can, take pictures before the car is moved. Keep records of your injuries, doctor visits, and bills. Look up recall notices for your car and print them out.

Save receipts for car maintenance, tire changes, or past repairs. All of these help show the car was taken care of. Details matter in product liability claims. The more proof you have, the better.

Contact a Chicago Car Defects Lawyer Quickly

Time is important in these cases — call a product liability lawyer as soon as you can. The sooner your legal team starts, the stronger your case will be. A Chicago car defects lawyer can look at your vehicle, gather records, and talk to experts. They will also deal with the insurance company and the vehicle manufacturer.

Do not try to handle a case like this alone. Product liability cases are complex. You need someone who understands auto defect law and how to build a strong claim. Conboy Law Injury & Malpractice Lawyers is here to help you every step of the way.

Injured? Our Chicago accident lawyer is here to help you.

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FAQs

Yes. A personal injury attorney can help you build a strong case, deal with the insurance company, and file the right paperwork. Defective vehicle cases often involve complex product liability laws. Having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome.

No. A car accident caused by a defective part is handled under product liability law. Instead of blaming another driver, your claim focuses on the vehicle manufacturer or the part maker. This type of claim often falls under strict liability.

Strict liability means the manufacturer is responsible for the defect, even if they didn’t mean to cause harm. You don’t have to prove negligence. You only need to show that the defective part caused the injury.

Yes. Defective parts like brakes, airbags, or tires can cause rollovers, fires, or multi-car crashes. These defects may also lead to other serious accidents like pedestrian hits or highway pileups.

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the car accident. But this can vary, especially if other serious accidents or injuries are involved. A personal injury attorney can review your case and help you meet the deadline.

Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a defective part, you may be entitled to compensation. These cases are different from typical crash claims. They involve product liability, strict liability, and often large manufacturers. You need someone who understands how these claims work.

Conboy Law Injury & Malpractice Lawyers helps clients recover after serious injuries caused by defective automobiles. Our team investigates what went wrong and builds strong product liability claims. We fight to hold the vehicle manufacturer or the part maker accountable.

Whether the issue was with brakes, airbags, or another failed part, we’re ready to help. You may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Don’t let the insurance company decide what your case is worth.

Call us today for a free consultation with a Chicago car accident lawyer. We’re here to protect your rights and help you move forward.

Joseph Conboy
Founding Attorney

Joseph M. Conboy, founder of Conboy Law, represents victims of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, securing numerous multi-million-dollar results. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2019–2022), he is a member of the American Association for Justice and Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Conboy earned his J.D. from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Colorado.

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