New York Auto Defect Lawyers

Every time we get behind the wheel, we trust our cars to bring us safely from Point A to Point B. Unfortunately, problems like mislabeled products, flawed designs, and manufacturing defects can put motorists in extreme peril every time they drive. If a vehicle suffers from a defective component or bad design, the result can be serious injury or death to innocent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers sharing the road.

If you were injured in an accident caused by a flawed or recalled auto product, or if a loved one passed away in an accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses. The experienced New York auto defect lawyers of Sullivan & Galleshaw can help. To set up a free and confidential legal consultation, call our law offices at (718) 843-0300 today. We offer aggressive, strategic representation for injury victims and their families throughout the greater New York metropolitan area, and have more than 16 years of experience to help you fight for justice.

Dangerous Recalled Cars and Defective Automotive Products

Just because a vehicle or car part is sold to consumers doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe. The Ford Pinto was tremendously popular during much of the 1970s, yet today, the Pinto is famous for recalls, explosions, fires, deaths, and injuries. Even though technology and safety standards have improved dramatically since the Pinto era, dangerous and even lethal products still manage to slip past the safety barriers which are meant to protect consumers.

Takata Airbag Recalls

Millions of vehicles containing Takata airbags have been recalled in recent years, because the airbags can explode and spray bits of shrapnel at drivers’ faces. Both domestic and imported vehicles have been affected by the Takata recalls, including but not limited to the following models:

• Chrysler 300 (2005-2008)
• Ford GT (2005-2006)
• Ford Mustang (2005-2007)
• Ford Ranger (2004)
• Honda Accord (2001-2007)
• Honda Element (2003-2011)
• Honda Civic (2001-2005)
• Lexus SC430 (2002-2005)
• Mazda 6 (2003-2007)
• Mitsubishi Lancer (2004-2005)
• Nissan Pathfinder (2001-2004)
• Pontiac Vibe (2003-2005)
• Subaru Impreza (2004-2005)
• Subaru Outback (2003-2005)
• Toyota Corolla (2002-2005)
• Toyota Sequoia (2002-2005)

As of 2014, at least three deaths and 30 injuries have been linked to defective airbags manufactured by Takata.

Of course, airbags of any brand can malfunction catastrophically. Other issues with airbags may include failure to deploy, deploying at random, or not being inflated enough to cushion the driver in the event of an accident. Common injuries resulting from airbag accidents include:

• Broken Noses
• Eye Injuries
• Facial Lacerations
• Head Injuries

GM Ignition Switch Recalls

In addition to explosive Takata airbags, mass recalls related to defective GM ignition switches have also been a serious problem for drivers in recent years. The problem is that the switches can inadvertently change to the “off” position without the driver’s knowledge, which means airbags will not deploy in the event of a crash. GM reports that 13 deaths have been linked to these ignition switch defects, though a federal investigation by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has linked the faulty switches to 303 deaths.

Vehicles affected by the GM ignition switch recalls include but are not limited to the following models:

• Buick Lacrosse (2005-2009)
• Buick Lucerne (2006-2011)
• Cadillac CTS (2003-2014)
• Cadillac DTS (2006-2011)
• Cadillac DeVille (2000-2005)
• Cadillac SRX (2004-2006)
• Chevrolet Camaro (2010-2014)
• Chevrolet Impala (2000-2014)
• Chevrolet Malibu (1997-2005)
• Oldsmobile Alero (1999-2004)
• Oldsmobile Intrigue (1998-2002)
• Pontiac G5 (2007-2010)
• Pontiac Grand Am (1999-2005)
• Pontiac Grand Prix (2004-2008)
• Pontiac Solstice (2006-2010)
• Saturn Ion (2003-2007)
• Saturn Sky (2007-2010)

15-Passenger Vans

15-passenger vans are commonly used to transport large groups, typically students or people renting them for social events. However, despite being designed to carry large groups, these vans actually become more unstable as more passengers are added to the vehicle. Because of their design, 15-passenger vans have an unusually high center of gravity which makes them very difficult to control in the event of a sudden emergency maneuver. These vans are highly susceptible to rollover accidents, which is particularly dangerous because they also suffer from weak roofs which can easily cave in and crush trapped occupants. In a study using data collected from 2003 to 2007, the NHTSA determined that vans carrying at least 10 occupants were almost three times more likely to experience a rollover accident than vans with five or fewer passengers.

If you were injured in an auto accident caused by a defective car part or dangerous design, you may be able to collect compensation. To start discussing your claim, call the New York auto defect attorneys of Sullivan & Galleshaw at (718) 843-0300. Your consultation is confidential and free of charge, so call right away to start exploring your options.