A top-rated Bakersfield auto defect lawyer at Bisnar Chase will fight for your rights and win the compensation you deserve if you suffer an injury due to a vehicle fault.
Car manufacturers have a responsibility to their customers to provide well-made vehicles that are safe to drive. But sometimes, they cut corners, use cheap materials, fail to carry out essential testing, produce poor designs, and sell unsafe vehicles.
At Bisnar Chase, it is our mission to hold negligent automakers accountable. We are nationally renowned when it comes to vehicle defects, having won more than $850 Million for our clients. Our team has helped countless personal injury victims in Bakersfield and across California.
With a 99% success rate, you can trust us with your case. Contact our team today for a free consultation with no obligations.
Legal Resources for Auto Defects in Bakersfield
What are Auto Defects?
We handle legal actions involving auto defects that lead to serious injuries. But what are auto defects, and how do you know if you have a valid case?
First things first, an auto defect is a problem with a motor vehicle. The issue could be anything that affects the safe use of the car when it is being used under normal or intended conditions.
It might be caused by poor design, mistakes during the manufacturing process, or the use of cheap or sub-par materials that compromise the car or truck. This is a type of product liability.
We explore all aspects of auto defect legal actions on this page, from the types of defects you should look out for to the liable parties and how you should handle the aftermath of a crash.
But the bottom line is this: when you are involved in an accident caused by an issue with your vehicle, or your injuries are more severe because a safety feature failed, you need an auto defect attorney on your side who will support you and fight to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Why You Need a Lawyer for an Auto Defect Case
Not all accidents require a lawyer. Sometimes, you can deal with an insurance company alone with minimal hassle. But most auto defect cases are different. Here’s why you need an experienced auto defect attorney:
Auto manufacturers are formidable opponents. When you take legal action over a defective vehicle, you go up against massive manufacturers worth billions of dollars. They do not like to lose and often employ large legal teams. To stand a chance, you need a law firm like Bisnar Chase on your side with the experience and resources required to fight back.
Lawsuits are tough. There’s no denying that lawsuits can be long, time-consuming, stressful, and challenging. But there is no reason you should have to deal with these challenges. Our team puts a huge amount of time and effort into every case. We leave no stone unturned in every phase of the legal proceedings, allowing our clients to take a step back and focus on recovery.
You are likely to win more money. Of course, lawsuits are not just about money. It is also about holding wrongdoers accountable, inspiring safer automotive practices, and securing justice. However, maximizing the financial recovery is still important, and studies show that the average compensation is considerably higher when working with an attorney.
At Bisnar Chase, we offer a free consultation for you to explore your legal options with an expert before committing to anything. Contact our team to hold a negligent car manufacturer accountable.
Types of Vehicle Defects
Cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles can be dangerous at the best of times. These are heavy pieces of machinery that travel at high speeds. And when things go wrong, these dangerous products can put everyone at risk.
The following are some of the most common auto defects in Bakersfield, California, and across the rest of the U.S.
Common Auto Defects
Brake failure: When a vehicle’s braking system fails while it is in motion, it puts vehicle occupants and other road users in danger.
Seat belt issues: Common seat belt problems include latch failures and the use of weak belt materials that break apart over time.
Unintended acceleration: There have been well-documented defects that cause sudden unintended acceleration, with the vehicle accelerating without the driver doing anything.
Faulty airbags: In some cases, airbags will fail to deploy. But there have also been even more dangerous incidents caused by airbag faults, such as airbag inflators exploding and shooting deadly shrapnel through the vehicle.
Rollovers: Some vehicles are not properly balanced, creating a risk of overturning and rolling, making injuries far worse.
- Steering issues: Compromised steering, or the complete loss of control over a vehicle, puts every road user around the car in question in immediate danger.
Tire failures: The most common tire issues include sudden blowouts and the tire tread separating from the wheel, known as tire separation. Any tire issues can be deadly at high speeds.
Roof crush accidents: Car roofs should be reinforced to protect occupants in rollover crashes. When they are too weak for purpose, they can collapse inward. This is known as a roof crush accident.
Seat back collapses: When car seats are made using cheap or sub-par materials, they are prone to collapse in the event of a crash. A car seat back collapse can endanger the seat occupant and any passengers behind them.
Door latch issues: A faulty car door latch could cause a door to swing open during a crash, potentially ejecting someone inside the vehicle. It could also prevent someone from escaping the wreckage after a crash.
What Qualifies as a Defect?
Some issues arise due to natural wear and tear on vehicles and their components. But in other cases, consumers are put at risk by manufacturer negligence.
Any one of these issues can put drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users in great danger. If you or a loved one have been involved in a crash caused by a vehicle defect, our team can help. Contact Bisnar Chase today to speak to an outstanding Bakersfield auto defect lawyer.
Why Bisnar Chase is the Right Auto Defect Law Firm For You
There are plenty of good personal injury law firms dealing with defective product claims in California. But vehicle defect cases require a particular expertise, and you should choose your law firm carefully. At Bisnar Chase, we have a national reputation as a leader in auto defect litigation.
We have a 99% success rate, with more than $850 Million won for our clients.
Our team has won many multi-million dollar cases against auto manufacturers.
We work with the best investigators and experts to identify vehicle issues and hold the responsible party accountable.
Bisnar Chase has the resources to go up against major corporations. We are not scared of anyone.
Our lawyers are experienced in the courtroom. They will go to trial for you when necessary.
We treat our clients like family and keep them informed at all times.
With our firm, you get a free consultation with no obligations. Our no win, no fee promise means that you will never be left out of pocket by legal fees.
Don’t settle for any old law firm. Choose to work with Bisnar Chase to ensure your legal team has the skill, experience, and resources to win for you and maximize the value of your case.
A Track Record of Success and Compassion
Brian Chase, the managing partner at Bisnar Chase, has always wanted to be a personal injury lawyer. He has dedicated his career to taking on major corporations, and his results speak for themselves.
Some of our top auto defect lawsuit results include:
Auto Product Liability vs. Seat Manufacturers, Johnson Controls – $32,698,073
Defective Seat Back Failure – $24,744,764
Auto Product Liability – $14,443,205
Auto Product Liability – $12,248,000
Auto Product Liability – $10,200,000
Rear-end MVA with Seatbelt Failure – $8,500,000
Auto Product Liability – $6,500,000
Auto Product Liability – $5,500,000
We ensure automakers are held accountable. Brian Chase is supported by a team of like-minded attorneys who work tirelessly to build airtight cases. We work for Bakersfield residents, doing everything possible to support the Kern County community. Trust our lawyers to fight for your rights and prove your case.
What To Do After an Accident
There are some standard steps that you should take whenever you are involved in an accident involving a car or any other type of vehicle.
Seek medical attention. No matter the extent of your injuries, you should be checked out by a medical professional. Your medical records will be used to support your legal claim.
Collect evidence. Take pictures at the scene of the accident if you can do so. Make a note of the conditions and document your injuries. Collect the details of any other drivers or vehicles involved in the accident.
- Speak to witnesses. If anyone saw the crash occur, get their name and contact details.
Contact the authorities. Call the police and make a report about the accident.
Call Bisnar Chase. Secure your legal representation as soon as possible. Your attorneys will then be able to handle all contact with the insurance company and car manufacturer.
When it comes to accidents involving defective vehicles, there is another important step that you should take. If possible, you should preserve your vehicle in its current condition after the crash. Contact our team before you allow any repair attempts.
It is always best when our experts can examine the car and document the issues. A first-hand examination of a defective vehicle offers the best evidence in a legal claim.
Did You Know…?
In 2022 alone, there were more than 900 vehicle safety recalls covering more than 30 million vehicles across the United States.
As shown in the graph above, the most common causes of auto recalls are equipment (29%), electrical systems (20%), power train (8%), steering (7%), structure (6%), brakes and hydraulics (5%), airbags (5%), tires (4%), exterior lighting (4%), and seats (4%).
Who Is Liable For Your Injuries?
When it comes to defective cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles, a few different types of issues can arise. To determine liability, we must first identify the type of defect that has impacted our client.
The different forms of auto faults seen in Bakersfield, CA, include:
Design Issues: This is when a vehicle is designed with an inherent flaw. For example, the design of a van or SUV could be too tall, making it unbalanced in corners and prone to rollover accidents.
Manufacturing Failures: This is when mistakes are made during manufacturing. This might include using sub-par materials or not assembling the product correctly.
Failure to Warn: In some cases, an auto manufacturer will become aware of a potentially dangerous issue. When they do nothing to alert the consumer, they may be liable.
With these potential faults and failures in mind, the following parties might be held liable in a legal case or lawsuit.
The vehicle manufacturer.
Third-party companies, including designers and testers.
- Component manufacturers.
An auto dealer or dealership.
Auto parts retailers.
A responsible or liable party could be anyone involved in producing or distributing a defective product, such as a vehicle. It is important to note that multiple parties can be named in a lawsuit.
Get in touch with our Bakersfield auto defect lawyers to hold every responsible party accountable.
Proving a Product Liability Lawsuit
There are millions of car accidents every year across the United States. Proving that an accident took place can be easy, but proving a defect caused it can be tricky. To do so, your law firm must show:
You were injured.
An auto part was defective.
The car was used as reasonably intended.
The faulty part (at least partially) caused the accident and injury.
You suffered losses as a result of the accident.
When it comes to actions against the seller, whether that is the manufacturer or a separate dealer, we may also have to prove that a defect existed when the vehicle was sold.
What is the California Lemon Law?
The California lemon law may come into play in some cases involving defective cars. The Lemon Law (Civ. Code, § 1793.2 et seq.) is a piece of legislation that protects the consumer when they purchase a vehicle.
In Lemon Law cases, a car seller or manufacturer may be required to buy back a vehicle or replace it at no cost to the customer. The Lemon Law can apply to new, used, or leased vehicles, providing they are covered by a warranty.
Lemon Law Claims
You can typically make a lemon law claim within 18 months of the car being delivered to you or within 18,000 miles of driving. You must have made reasonable attempts to have the vehicle repaired. This means 4+ attempts to fix the same problem or 2+ attempts if the issue is serious enough to cause severe injury or death.
Bisnar Chase does not typically handle cases solely involving a Lemon Law claim. But if you are seeking more information about the California Lemon Law in relation to a more significant accident or other injuries, we may be able to help. Our team is here to serve the Kern County community and explain any aspect of the law that you need help with.
Contact a Bakersfield auto defect lawyer today by calling (800) 561-4887, by sending an email, or using our website live chat.
How Do Auto Recalls Work?
Vehicular recalls occur when a problem is discovered that could compromise the safety of the consumer. But there are several different forms that a recall can take.
Manufacturer Recall: In some cases, the automaker will discover a problem and issue a voluntary recall.
Requested Recall: If authorities such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are made aware of an issue, they may ask the manufacturers to take action.
Forced Recall: When safety concerns are raised but the manufacturer refuses to act, NHTSA has the power to force a recall.
Most recalls will apply to a specific sub-section of vehicles. For example, the recall might be issued for a specific model manufactured within a certain time window.
When a recall is issued for your vehicle, you would expect to take it to a dealership for a fix to be applied. More drastic action may be taken if fundamental flaws are identified that are not easily fixed.
Auto Defect FAQs
We are here to answer all of your questions about the legal process. Some of the most frequently asked questions are answered below and elsewhere on this page. But please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have further questions.
Do I have to be injured?
You must have suffered physical injuries for Bisnar Chase to take your case. Many people approach us when their vehicle malfunctions or fails to deploy its airbags. But we can only act if injuries are involved.
When do I need to take legal action?
You will usually have two years from the accident date or the discovery of a defect to file a legal claim. However, there are exceptions to this rule. We always advise clients to contact a Bakersfield auto defect lawyer as soon as possible.
How long will the lawsuit take?
There is no set timeframe. If a case is settled out of court, it may take anywhere from a few months to two years. It may take longer if it goes to trial and involves significant investigations. Your attorney will resolve your case as soon as possible, but we don’t cut corners. We want to resolve your case with the best possible result for you.
How long will my vehicle need to be preserved without repair?
If possible, we need our investigators to check and replicate any dangerous conditions caused by faults or malfunctions in your car. Access to the vehicle can be extremely valuable in winning a legal battle. But we will also work with you to ensure you are not left without a vehicle for an extended time.
High-Profile Defects and Recalls
There have been some major vehicle faults in recent years. Many of these defects have sparked recalls, caused accidents, and resulted in deaths and serious bodily harm. The following are just a couple of the many high-profile examples.
Takata Airbags
A massive airbag manufacturer, the Takata Corporation provided safety devices for many auto companies. But the airbags carried a fault that caused them to explode when they were deployed, sending deadly shrapnel shooting through the car.
More than 27 people were killed, and hundreds more were injured in the United States, forcing a recall of more than 67 million airbags.
Toyota’s Unintended Acceleration
Toyota was forced to recall more than 9 million vehicles in 2010 due to an unintended acceleration issue that was linked to 89 deaths and many injuries. The problem was first attributed to the floor mats before a fault was found with the gas pedal.
Toyota also recalled another 7 million cars in 2012 due to a faulty power window switch that could cause fires.
Tesla Autopilot Recalls
Electric car pioneer Tesla has been forced to recall millions of vehicles in recent years due to its controversial Autopilot driver-assist system. Autopilot was initially intended for autonomous driving, allowing the car to drive itself. But it has been linked to a series of self-driving car accidents, and Tesla has been forced to introduce rules on its use while fine-tuning the system.
Types of Injuries We Deal With
The auto defect accident cases that we handle often involve serious or catastrophic injuries due to the nature of these crashes.
We are here to help if you have suffered physical injuries from a crash in or around the Bakersfield area. Typical injuries include:
Broken bones.
Blunt force trauma.
Internal injuries.
Burns.
Amputation.
Traumatic brain injuries.
Head, neck, and spine injuries.
Whether you have suffered injuries yourself or are seeking a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one, our team is here to help. Please get in touch today and allow us to review your case free of charge.
Contact the Best Bakersfield Auto Defect Lawyer Near Me
When auto manufacturers bring vehicles to market that are faulty or defective, they must be held accountable. At Bisnar Chase, we believe we are the right law firm to help you.
Our numbers speak for themselves, with a 99% success rate and more than $850 Million recovered for our clients. We have earned a national reputation for winning the toughest auto defect cases against major manufacturers.
But it is not all about the numbers to us. We believe in putting our clients first, offering first-class attention and support while delivering superior representation.
Get in touch with a skilled and experienced Bakersfield auto defect attorney at Bisnar Chase today for a free consultation. You can call us at (800) 561-4887, or use our website to send us an email or use our live chat. We look forward to hearing from you.
