Setareh Law
February 4, 2026
When a car accident occurs due to a malfunctioning brake system, faulty airbag, or defective steering component, the path to compensation becomes more complex than a typical collision case. Defective auto parts can transform what appears to be driver error into a product liability claim, and determining whether to pursue the driver, the manufacturer, or both requires careful legal analysis and investigation.
At Setareh Law, we have recovered over $250 million for California accident victims. Our team combines 60 years of experience with aggressive advocacy to investigate defective auto part cases thoroughly, identifying all responsible parties and securing maximum compensation for our clients.
How Do Defective Car Parts Cause Accidents?
Vehicle manufacturers produce millions of cars each year, and when design flaws or manufacturing defects slip through quality control, the results can be catastrophic. Brake failures cause vehicles to collide with traffic or pedestrians when drivers cannot stop. Tire blowouts send cars careening across lanes or off roadways. Steering malfunctions eliminate driver control entirely. Airbag failures leave occupants vulnerable to severe injuries during impacts that should have been survivable.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration receives thousands of defect complaints annually, leading to recalls affecting millions of vehicles. However, many defective parts cause car accidents before recalls are issued, leaving victims injured through no fault of their own.
When Can You Sue the Driver for a Defective Part Accident?
Negligent vehicle maintenance creates driver liability even when defective parts contribute to accidents. If a driver ignores warning lights, skips required maintenance, or continues operating a vehicle after noticing performance problems, they may be held responsible for resulting collisions.
Drivers also face liability when they fail to respond to recall notices. Manufacturers are required to notify vehicle owners about safety defects and provide free repairs. When drivers ignore these notices and continue operating recalled vehicles, they assume responsibility for accidents caused by known defects. Similarly, using aftermarket parts that fail to meet original equipment standards can establish driver negligence if those inferior components cause crashes.
When Can You Sue the Manufacturer for a Defective Part?
Product liability law holds manufacturers accountable when defective parts cause accidents, regardless of whether the driver properly maintained the vehicle. Three types of defects establish manufacturer liability: design defects that make products inherently dangerous, manufacturing defects that occur during production, and failure to warn about known risks.
Design defects exist when engineering choices create unreasonable safety risks. Manufacturing defects happen when individual parts fail to meet design specifications due to production errors. Failure to warn claims arise when manufacturers know about safety risks but fail to adequately inform consumers or issue timely recalls.
Successful truck accident and car cases against manufacturers require proving that the defect existed when the vehicle left the factory, that the defect caused the accident, and that the plaintiff suffered damages as a direct result. We work with automotive engineers and accident reconstruction specialists to establish these elements and build compelling cases against major automotive corporations.
How Does Liability Differ Between Driver and Manufacturer Claims?
Driver liability claims follow traditional negligence principles, requiring proof that the driver owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused damages. Manufacturer claims operate under strict liability and product liability theories, which do not require proving negligence but instead focus on whether the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous.
This distinction significantly affects litigation strategy and potential compensation. Driver claims are limited by insurance policy limits, while manufacturer claims can access substantially larger corporate assets and insurance coverage. We evaluate both avenues in defective part cases, often pursuing claims against multiple parties to maximize our clients’ recovery.
Can You Sue Both the Driver and the Manufacturer?
California law allows wrongful death and injury victims to pursue claims against all parties whose negligence or products contributed to their harm. When driver negligence and product defects both play roles in causing accidents, filing claims against both parties ensures comprehensive accountability.
Joint and several liability principles may apply, allowing victims to recover their full damages from any defendant found liable. However, comparative fault rules reduce recovery based on each party’s percentage of responsibility. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to establish each defendant’s contribution to the accident and pursue maximum compensation from all available sources.
Why Choose Setareh Law for Your Defective Auto Part Case?
We have secured millions in compensation for California accident victims by holding negligent drivers and major automotive manufacturers accountable for the harm they cause. Our team handles defective auto part cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We conduct comprehensive investigations, retain qualified experts, and aggressively litigate against corporate defendants and insurance companies.
With eight office locations across California and home visits available, we make legal representation accessible regardless of your location or mobility limitations. Our bilingual staff provides services in English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication throughout your case. Contact us today for a free consultation with our experienced product liability attorneys to discuss your defective auto part accident case.
