When a Tempe Crash Turns Into a Product Liability Case
Most car accidents in Tempe follow a familiar pattern: one driver is negligent, the other suffers injuries, and insurance steps in — at least in theory. But not every collision is that straightforward. Sometimes, the cause of the crash goes deeper than driver error. Sometimes, the car itself is to blame.
If you were injured in a Tempe crash and suspect a vehicle defect, equipment failure, or safety malfunction contributed to the incident, you may be dealing with a product liability case — a type of personal injury claim that holds manufacturers, designers, or distributors accountable for dangerous products.
It’s a layer of complexity that can affect everything from your compensation to how the case is investigated. And it’s one more reason to speak with a Tempe car accident lawyer as soon as possible — especially before your damaged vehicle is scrapped or repaired.
What Is a Product Liability Case in the Context of a Car Accident?
A product liability claim arises when a product — in this case, a car or its components — is defective and causes harm. In car accidents, this can take many forms:
Airbags that fail to deploy (or deploy too aggressively)
Seatbelt failures
Brake system or tire defects
Steering or suspension malfunctions
Fuel system fires or battery explosions
Electrical system defects causing sudden stalls
Vehicle design flaws that make rollovers more likely
These problems may cause the crash itself, make the crash more severe, or lead to injuries that wouldn’t have otherwise occurred. In areas like North Tempe or South Tempe, where road speeds vary and traffic patterns shift rapidly, mechanical reliability is critical — and its failure can be deadly.
How Do You Know If a Product Defect Caused the Crash?
That’s the tricky part. Most drivers aren’t mechanics, and it’s not always obvious whether a defect was involved. But some signs raise red flags:
Your airbags didn’t deploy in a serious crash
Your brakes failed even though they were recently serviced
The car veered or accelerated without input
A tire blew out unexpectedly, despite normal wear
A fire or smoke occurred during or after impact
Your seatbelt unlatched or didn’t tighten properly
If something about the crash felt “off” — like your car didn’t respond the way it should have — don’t dismiss it. Vehicle defects are underreported because they’re often blamed on the driver. Preserving the vehicle for expert inspection can make all the difference in proving your case.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Unlike a typical Tempe car accident claim, where one driver is clearly at fault, product liability cases involve third-party defendants who may not have been at the scene. These could include:
The vehicle manufacturer (e.g., Ford, Toyota)
A parts supplier (e.g., a company that made the airbags or tires)
The car dealership that sold or serviced the vehicle
A repair shop that incorrectly installed or tampered with components
In some cases, you may still pursue a claim against the other driver — particularly in multi-vehicle crashes — but the defective product opens a second legal front that often leads to higher compensation if proven.
The Role of a Tempe Lawyer in Building the Case
Product liability cases are highly technical. Your attorney will often bring in expert witnesses — including mechanical engineers, crash reconstructionists, or automotive safety specialists — to:
Examine the damaged vehicle
Retrieve crash data from the event data recorder (EDR)
Analyze maintenance records and recall history
Compare the vehicle’s performance to industry safety standards
This process takes time, and it requires you to not alter the condition of the vehicle. That means no repairs, no trade-ins, and no junking the car until an expert has reviewed it.
Tempe drivers may also benefit from checking if the vehicle was subject to a recall. If the defect was already known, and the manufacturer failed to notify you, that can strengthen your case significantly.
Compensation in Product Liability Car Crash Cases
The damages you can recover in a product liability-related crash are the same categories available in a standard injury case — but potentially larger due to the severity of injuries caused by faulty equipment. These include:
Medical bills (current and future)
Lost income or reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Property damage
In some cases, punitive damages if gross negligence is proven
Victims of spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or TBI due to safety equipment failure often face lifelong costs — which is why identifying every liable party matters.
What About Insurance? Who Pays?
Your own auto insurance may cover some initial medical costs, especially under MedPay or PIP coverage. But product liability claims are typically filed as third-party lawsuits, not insurance settlements. That means:
The manufacturer’s liability insurance may pay
Multiple policies (from suppliers, distributors, etc.) may be involved
Your health insurance may cover bills upfront, but may place a lien on any settlement
It’s common for these claims to take longer than typical fender-bender disputes. But they can also result in significantly larger recoveries — especially if your injuries were worsened by a product failure that could have been prevented.
Final Thought
If your Tempe car crash involved a strange vehicle malfunction, unexpected injury severity, or failed safety features, don’t assume it was just bad luck. There may be more to the story — and the law gives you the right to hold manufacturers accountable.
A product liability case adds complexity, but it also opens the door to a broader form of justice. You’re not just seeking compensation for yourself — you’re exposing defects that could injure others if left unchecked.
Let an attorney help you investigate what really happened and whether your crash was preventable. Because when it comes to dangerous vehicles, silence helps no one — especially not the next person on the road.
