Various types of motor vehicles have been manufactured for more than 100 years. During that time, great strides have been made in terms of design, engineering and performance. But despite that fact, many models of cars, SUVs and trucks are plagued by defects in design and manufacturing. Some of these defects can lead to serious or fatal crashes.

Marsh, Rickard & Bryan, is a team of experienced product liability attorneys. We have extensive experience and a record of success in cases involving defective vehicles and components. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a poorly designed vehicle or defective vehicle component, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Call us at 205-927-0222 for a free consultation.

Vigorous Advocates For Victims Of Dangerous Cars And Defective Parts

Marsh, Rickard & Bryan, in Birmingham, Alabama, represents people who have suffered harm due to defective motor vehicles and components, such as:

• Tire blowouts
• Faulty seat belts and air bags
• Seatback failure
• Vehicle rollovers and roof crushes
• Defective ignition systems
• Other types of design defects and component failures

Building A Strong And Effective Case

When representing you, we will undertake a comprehensive legal effort on your behalf. We will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and its cause. In this effort, we will retain the services of one or more technical experts, such as design engineers, automobile safety specialists and other professionals. These experts can provide important insights into the accident and, if necessary, compelling testimony at trial.

At Marsh, Rickard & Bryan, we are proud of the role we have played in holding manufacturers responsible for their actions. We will be your strong advocate, working diligently to obtain the best possible settlement or jury award for you.

Contact A Lawyer Today

For a free consultation about an accident involving an unsafe car, SUV or truck, contact Marsh, Rickard & Bryan

Alabama Defective Motor Vehicles FAQs

When a motor vehicle has a defect, it puts drivers, passengers, and others at risk. If you have suffered an injury due to a defective motor vehicle, our Alabama defective motor vehicle lawyers are here to help you. Our firm has been assisting clients for nearly 30 years in Alabama, and we are prepared to use our knowledge and experience to help you recover compensation for your injuries. Mechanical failures can lead to severe accidents, injuries, and costly damages. If a defect contributed to a crash, determining who is responsible is an important step in seeking compensation. Contact Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC today to schedule your free consultation and begin your path to recovery today.

What Constitutes A Defective Motor Vehicle?

A defective motor vehicle is a vehicle that has a flaw in its design, manufacturing, or components that makes it unsafe to operate. These defects may affect the vehicle’s ability to brake, steer, accelerate, or protect occupants in a crash. A defect can exist even if a vehicle is new, and in many cases, the issue is not discovered until accidents occur or recalls are issued. Investigating the accident thoroughly is crucial for determining if a defect contributed to the accident.

What Are Common Types Of Vehicle Defects?

Some of the most common defects involve brakes, tires, airbags, and steering systems. Brake failures can prevent a driver from stopping in time, while tire defects may lead to blowouts and loss of control. Airbags that fail to deploy or deploy unexpectedly can cause serious injuries. Steering system defects may result in loss of control, increasing the likelihood of a collision. Electrical system failures, fuel system defects, and seatbelt malfunctions also pose serious safety risks.

Who Is Liable For Injuries Caused By Defective Vehicles?

Liability in defective motor vehicle cases depends on the nature of the defect. In many cases, manufacturers are responsible if a flaw in design or production causes an accident. Other parties, such as dealerships or repair shops, may also be liable if they knowingly sell or install defective parts. If a recall was issued but the defect was not properly addressed, additional parties may be held accountable. Our Alabama defective motor vehicle lawyers will investigate the vehicle’s history, accident details, and any past recalls in order to prove liability.

What Compensation Can I Receive In A Defective Vehicle Case?

Compensation in defective vehicle cases may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage. If the accident resulted in serious injuries, ongoing medical care, pain and suffering, and other damages may be awarded to account for the physical and emotional impact of the crash. If a defective vehicle caused a fatal accident, a wrongful death case may be filed.

How Long Do I Have To File A Claim For A Defective Vehicle?

Deadlines for filing a claim vary based on state laws and the details of the case. In Alabama, the statute of limitations generally allows a limited time to pursue legal action. If a claim is not filed within the required timeframe, it may be barred. Because evidence can disappear over time, taking action as soon as possible can help build a stronger case. Consulting with our Alabama defective motor vehicle lawyers in the aftermath of an accident can clarify the timeline and legal options available.

Contact Our Alabama Defective Motor Vehicles Lawyer Today

Holding manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable for defective vehicles is important for both individual recovery and public safety. If a defective vehicle contributed to your accident, speaking with our attorney can help determine the next steps. Contact Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC today to discuss your case and explore legal options.

Types Of Defective Motor Vehicle Cases We Handle

As experienced defective motor vehicle lawyers, we represent clients who have been injured due to dangerous flaws in vehicle design, manufacturing, or safety systems. Our firm is dedicated to holding automakers and parts manufacturers accountable when their negligence puts lives at risk. We handle a wide range of motor vehicle defect cases, including:

Roof Crushes

In rollover accidents, a vehicle’s roof should protect occupants—not collapse and cause life-threatening injuries. When a roof crushes during a crash due to weak materials or poor structural design, a defective products lawyer can investigate whether the manufacturer failed to meet safety standards. Legal action can help injured victims recover damages and hold automakers accountable for prioritizing cost over passenger safety.

Seat Belts

Seat belts are one of the most essential safety features in any vehicle, but when they malfunction—whether by unlatching during impact, locking improperly, or failing to restrain—they can cause more harm than good. A defective products lawyer evaluates the design and performance of the seat belt system to determine liability. Victims may be entitled to compensation for injuries that could have been prevented by a properly functioning restraint system.

Seat Backs

Seat backs should remain upright and stable in a collision, yet defective designs can cause them to collapse, severely injuring the seat occupant or passengers behind them. A defective products lawyer can assess whether substandard manufacturing or failure to warn consumers contributed to such failures. These legal cases often expose systemic safety oversights and push for stricter design regulations in the auto industry.

Gas Tanks

Defective gas tank placement or poor design can lead to fuel leaks and deadly fires during an accident. If a gas tank explodes or ignites due to a preventable flaw, a defective products lawyer helps victims or their families pursue claims against the vehicle manufacturer. These cases not only seek justice for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, but also aim to improve future vehicle safety through legal accountability.

Brake Failure

Brake systems are critical to vehicle safety, and when they fail due to defective parts, poor design, or manufacturing flaws, the results can be catastrophic. As defective motor vehicle lawyers, we represent clients injured in crashes caused by unresponsive or malfunctioning brakes, helping them hold manufacturers accountable for injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma.

Airbag Malfunctions

Airbags are meant to protect passengers in a crash—but when they deploy incorrectly, fail to deploy, or explode with excessive force, they can cause serious injuries or death. We handle cases involving faulty airbag systems, including those affected by major recalls, and work to ensure our clients are compensated for their injuries and suffering.

Tire Blowouts

Tire defects, including poor tread design, sidewall separation, or weak rubber compounds, can cause sudden blowouts and loss of control. We represent victims of accidents caused by faulty tires, working to prove manufacturer negligence and secure compensation for injuries, vehicle damage, and related costs.

Accelerator Or Pedal Issues

Unintended acceleration or pedal malfunctions can lead to high-speed crashes and devastating consequences. Our firm handles cases where electronic or mechanical defects in the gas or brake pedals contributed to a collision, investigating all possible causes and pursuing justice for affected drivers and passengers.

Defective Steering Systems

A loss of steering control due to defective parts or systems can turn any road trip into a dangerous event. We handle cases involving power steering failures, broken components, or electronic malfunctions that lead to accidents, ensuring that victims are compensated and that similar failures are prevented in future models.

Electronic And Software Failures

Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics and software for everything from braking to navigation. When these systems fail due to bugs, poor coding, or defective sensors, the results can be unpredictable and dangerous. We investigate complex electronic failures and pursue legal action against the automakers responsible.

Structural Design Flaws

Sometimes the entire vehicle structure is compromised by poor design choices that increase the risk of injury in a crash. Whether it’s a weak frame, poor crash test performance, or a design that fails to protect occupants, we pursue cases involving structural flaws that make vehicles inherently unsafe for the road.