The vast majority of traffic accidents happen due to driver error, but faulty parts or systems can cause crashes that no amount of safe driving could have prevented. These cases often involve hidden problems, missed recalls, and companies that don’t take responsibility until someone forces them to.
Greg Shevlin of Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, knows how to apply that kind of pressure. He investigates these crashes from every angle, brings in qualified experts, and prepares clear, detailed claims that demand attention. He doesn’t take shortcuts and doesn’t collect any fees unless he recovers money for you. If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a vehicle defect in Madison County and St. Clair County, IL, contact our law firm in Belleville to learn more in a free case review.
Defective parts or systems can cause vehicles to function in ways that drivers can’t predict or control. When something goes wrong in this way, even safe drivers can end up in serious crashes. Below are several common defects that commonly contribute to accidents in Madison and St. Clair counties:
More than one party can be responsible for a defective vehicle accident, but in many cases, the vehicle manufacturer carries most of the blame. When a car leaves a factory with a flawed design or a poor assembly job, the company that made it can be held responsible. Parts manufacturers are also liable in some cases. These are the companies that make the tires, brakes, steering systems, and other critical components that go into a car. If they sell faulty products, they can be held accountable, too.
Sometimes, dealerships and auto shops share the blame. If a dealer ignores a recall or sells a vehicle with known problems, they may be liable for any related collisions. The same goes for repair shops that use cheap parts or fail to follow proper procedures during service.
Vehicle owners can be liable, too. If someone drives a vehicle despite known safety issues, like worn tires or faulty brakes, they may be responsible for resulting accidents, even if the issue started with a bad part. Every party involved in a vehicle’s operation has a duty to ensure it is safe, including the driver.
You need more than just your version of the events to prove an accident claim. A lawyer can help by digging into what went wrong with the vehicle and showing how the defect caused the accident. That often starts with preserving the car as evidence. Attorneys can stop insurance companies from scrapping or repairing vehicles before experts can examine them.
In some cases, lawyers may bring in engineers or auto safety experts to inspect the parts and identify what might have failed, too. They can also search for recall notices, internal reports, and other documents that show the at-fault party knew or should have known about the defect. If your attorney finds out that the same problem has hurt or could hurt other drivers, that could strengthen your case.
Proving auto defects often requires highly technical investigations. An experienced lawyer will know where to look for useful evidence and how to link that evidence to your injuries. That kind of effort can mean the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery.
If you were involved in an accident involving a known or suspected vehicle defect, you’ll need to take specific steps to protect your rights. These accidents often require different types of investigation than most other car crashes, and companies may act quickly to hide problems or shift blame to you. Here’s what you can do to preserve evidence before it disappears and strengthen your legal claim:
If a vehicle defect contributed to the crash that injured you, then you could have the right to demand money for your injuries and related losses. This could include compensation for:
If you suspect a defect caused the crash that hurt you, you need help from someone who knows how to prepare this kind of case from the ground up. Accident lawyer Greg Shevlin of Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, brings more than 30 years of personal injury experience to the table. He handles accident claims throughout Madison and St. Clair counties with focus, drive, and skill built over decades in courtrooms and settlement negotiations.
Greg works with his clients directly, not through layers of staff. He investigates thoroughly to identify responsible parties and works hard to hold them accountable. He also partners with experts when necessary and doesn’t back down when big corporations push back.
Our law firm charges nothing up front and only gets paid if we recover money for you. That means you can take action without any financial risk to hold you back. If you want representation from an attorney who’s prepared to fight for the full recovery you deserve, get started now with a free consultation.
If you think a vehicle defect caused an accident that left you in pain, talk to a lawyer who knows how to investigate and build these cases now. Contact the law firm of Bartholomew, Shevlin & Flack, LLP, today to get started with your free consultation session. We’re proud to serve clients in Madison and St. Clair counties, and we look forward to hearing your story.