Most car accidents in Macomb, Wayne, and Oakland County are caused by driver behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield. But some crashes involve a different question entirely: what if the vehicle itself failed? A defective tire, malfunctioning brake system, faulty steering component, or other vehicle defect can contribute to a crash independently of what a driver did. When that happens, Michigan’s product liability laws may provide a legal avenue separate from a standard car accident claim.

What Michigan’s Product Liability Law Covers

Michigan’s product liability statutes are codified at MCL 600.2945 through 600.2949b. Under MCL 600.2945, a product liability action generally involves death, personal injury, or property damage caused by or resulting from the production of a product.

In a vehicle crash, a potential product liability claim may involve the vehicle itself or one of its components. Depending on the circumstances, questions may arise about the manufacturer, component manufacturer, seller, or other parties involved with the product.

What a Plaintiff Must Show

A person pursuing a product liability claim generally must establish that the vehicle or component was defective and that the defect contributed to the injuries or damage. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve how a product was manufactured, designed, or accompanied by warnings or instructions.

The specific requirements depend on the type of defect alleged and the facts surrounding the crash. Product liability cases often require technical evidence and expert analysis to determine whether a component failed and whether that failure contributed to the collision.

Damages in a Michigan Product Liability Claim

Michigan law places certain limitations on noneconomic damages in product liability cases under MCL 600.2946a. The applicable limits are adjusted periodically, and exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances. The damages available in a particular case will depend on the injuries, losses, and facts involved.

How This Intersects With No-Fault

Michigan’s no-fault system may provide eligible crash victims with PIP benefits regardless of who caused the collision. Whether a product liability claim may also be available depends on the specific facts and circumstances.

A product liability claim involving a manufacturer or seller is separate from a claim for no-fault insurance benefits. Depending on the circumstances, both types of claims may be relevant after a crash involving a suspected vehicle defect.

What to Do if You Suspect a Vehicle Defect

If you believe a defective vehicle component contributed to a crash, preserving the vehicle and its parts can be important. Physical evidence from the vehicle, including the allegedly defective component, may be necessary to determine whether a defect existed and whether it contributed to the crash.

Repairing, altering, or disposing of the vehicle before it can be inspected may result in important evidence being lost. An attorney can help preserve that evidence and determine whether expert analysis of the vehicle or component may be appropriate.

If you were injured in a crash in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland County and believe a vehicle defect may have played a role, our team may be able to help. To speak with a Michigan personal injury attorney, contact us today.

Sources: