A Faulty Circuit Board or Other Defective Smart Car Feature Can Have Tragic Consequences
Each year, auto makers and truck manufacturers proudly promote the latest technological features of their new models, boasting about how they create smoother, more efficient rides, improved comfort, and enhanced entertainment capabilities. But, as we all know, new electronic technology is prone to glitches, and, in a car, this is serious business. When an electronic feature in an automobile fails, the consequences can be deadly.
Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the investigation of stalling or surging engines in nearly 725,000 Ford cars and SUVs. This probe applies to all Ford Escapes, Ford Fusions, Mercury Milans, and Mercury Mariner SUVs manufactured between 2009 and 2011. To attest to the seriousness of the problem, these faulty vehicles are nearly identical to the models Ford and Mercury scrapped in 2010.
It is alleged that these vehicles can be triggered into a “limp home mode,” and suddenly start operating at reduced power. This is a rather dangerous propensity in a car. Yet, despite the fact that the NHTSA and Ford have received almost 1,500 complaints about the problem, these cars have not been recalled.
In addition, Ford has indicated to the NHTSA that vehicles made from June 22, 2009 to October 15, 2009 may have been produced with faulty circuit boards controlling the throttle. The circuit boards in question were supplied by the Delphi Corporation. Ford and Delphi claim that they changed the circuit board manufacturing process after October 15, 2009. And, according to NHTSA and Ford spokespeople, this change solved the problem. But, in truth, it is unlikely that such a serious defect was corrected so definitively.
As these facts suggest, faulty electrical mechanisms in cars are not always addressed in as timely a manner as they should be. And, clearly, if defective cars are not recalled, they can cause serious accidents. When faulty automobile components contribute to an accident, the issue of auto product liability comes into play. Automobile manufacturers can be held accountable for the injuries—or deaths—that result.
Victims and family members of such accidents are eligible to file an auto product liability lawsuit against the car manufacturer in question. Though a lawsuit cannot begin to make up for the trauma and emotional impact of an accident, it can cover the high costs of medical care, rehabilitation, long-term care, lost wages , and—in the case of a death—loss of consortium. Fighting an automobile manufacturer requires an experienced lawyer, with special expertise and a track record of success in handling such cases. The stakes in this kind of lawsuit are high, as auto manufacturers will go to great lengths to deny fault, and impede fair settlement.
The Philadelphia auto product liability and car accident lawyers of Reiff and Bily have over 34 years of experience representing victims and their families who were catastrophically injured or killed as a result of an automobile defect. Our lawyers have been recognized as among the top lawyers in the United States. They are members of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and have been noted by their peers to have the highest possible rating in both legal abilities and ethical standards. Reiff and Bily always offers a free, no obligation consultation. Call their toll free number, 1-800-421-9595.
