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Motor vehicle defect law covers legal claims that arise when a flaw in a vehicle or a vehicle part causes harm, property damage, or a loss of value. Defects can be design defects - problems inherent in the way a vehicle or part was designed - manufacturing defects - errors that occur during production - or failures to warn - when a manufacturer or seller does not provide adequate instructions or hazard warnings. In Tacoma, Washington, these claims are governed primarily by Washington State law and federal safety and consumer protection rules. Claim types may include personal injury lawsuits, property damage claims, warranty disputes, lemon law cases for chronically defective new vehicles, and recall-related claims.
You may need a lawyer if a motor vehicle defect has caused injury, significant damage, or financial loss, or if you are facing a complicated dispute with a manufacturer, dealer, or insurer. Common situations where legal help is important include:
- Serious injury or wrongful death caused by suspected vehicle defects - complex causation issues often require expert testimony.
- Repeated, unresolved defects that impair the vehicle and might qualify under Washington s lemon law or warranty statutes.
- Manufacturer or dealer denials of warranty coverage, or attempts to shift blame to vehicle maintenance or driver error.
- Multi-party cases where liability could rest with the manufacturer, parts supplier, mechanic, or other entities.
- Potential class actions or recalls where individual consumer rights may be affected and coordination with other claimants is necessary.
- Settlement negotiations with insurers or manufacturers where you need to evaluate settlement offers against the full value of present and future losses.
Key legal points to understand in Tacoma and Washington State include the following:
- Product liability and negligence - Washington recognizes claims based on strict product liability, negligence, breach of warranty, and failure to warn. Plaintiffs can pursue damages if the defect caused injury or damage.
- Lemon law - Washington s lemon law provides a remedy for buyers of new motor vehicles that have substantial defects that persist despite a reasonable number of repair attempts. The law typically applies within the early period of the vehicle s life and can lead to replacement or refund in qualifying cases.
- Statutes of limitations - Time limits apply to bringing claims. For personal injury claims the statute of limitations in Washington is generally three years from the date of injury. Property damage claims also commonly use a three-year limitation, but particular circumstances can change the deadline. It is important to act promptly to preserve your rights.
- Comparative fault - Washington follows comparative fault rules where a plaintiff s recovery can be reduced by the percentage of the plaintiff s own fault. The ability to recover is not automatically barred even if the plaintiff bears significant fault.
- Consumer protection - The Washington State Consumer Protection Act and the State Attorney General s office provide avenues for complaints against unfair or deceptive business practices, including false statements about vehicle safety or warranty coverage.
- Recalls and federal oversight - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration oversees vehicle safety recalls and maintains a system for reporting defects. Recall notices and manufacturer responses can affect claims and remedies.
A motor vehicle defect is any flaw in the design, manufacturing, or labeling of a vehicle or its parts that makes it unsafe or unfit for its intended use. Examples include defective brakes, steering failures, airbag malfunctions, fuel system defects that cause fires, defective tires, and electronic control unit failures.
Establishing causation typically requires evidence showing the defect existed, that the defect made the vehicle unsafe, and that the defect was a proximate cause of the accident or injury. Useful evidence includes repair records, parts inspections, photographs, police reports, eyewitness statements, maintenance history, and expert analysis from automotive engineers or mechanics.
Potentially liable parties include the vehicle manufacturer, parts suppliers, component manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and sometimes independent repair shops. Liability theory can be strict product liability, negligence, breach of warranty, or failure to warn.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, diminished vehicle value, pain and suffering, and in limited circumstances, punitive damages for intentional or egregious misconduct. The exact damages available depend on the facts of the case and applicable law.
Time limits vary by claim type. For most personal injury claims the statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury. For some contract or warranty claims the deadline can differ. Some deadlines can be tolled or extended in special circumstances, but delays risk losing your right to sue. Consult a lawyer promptly.
Yes. Washington s lemon law provides remedies for buyers of new motor vehicles that have substantial defects that are not fixed within a reasonable number of repair attempts during an early period after purchase or lease. Eligible remedies may include a replacement vehicle or a refund. Eligibility and procedures are specific, so review your repair history and consult an attorney or consumer protection agency to evaluate a lemon law claim.
Not without careful review. Early offers are often lower than the full value of present and future losses. Before accepting, document all damages, consult a lawyer experienced in product liability or motor vehicle defect claims, and have an attorney evaluate the offer relative to potential long-term needs and claims against other parties.
A recall acknowledges a safety defect and can strengthen an individual claim, but being part of a recall does not automatically resolve compensation for injuries or losses. Recall remedies typically focus on repair or replacement. If the defect caused injury or damage before the recall remedy was provided, you may still have a separate claim against the manufacturer or supplier.
Preserve the vehicle or the defective part if possible, take detailed photographs of the vehicle and scene, keep all repair and maintenance records, keep medical records and bills, get and preserve the police report and witness contact information, and avoid authorizing repairs that alter the part at issue without first consulting your attorney. Prompt preservation helps with expert inspection and proves the condition at the time of the incident.
Look for an attorney with experience in product liability, auto defect litigation, or personal injury. Ask about trial experience, past results with manufacturer or parts supplier cases, whether they work on contingency basis, and their plan for handling experts and evidence. You may contact local bar referral services or consumer protection offices for recommendations and check attorney disciplinary records before hiring.
Below are government offices and organizations that can be helpful when you are dealing with a motor vehicle defect issue:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - federal agency that oversees vehicle safety, recalls, and defect reporting.
- Washington State Attorney General s Office - handles consumer protection complaints and can provide guidance for vehicle warranty and deceptive practice issues.
- Washington State Department of Licensing - local rules on vehicle registration and certain safety regulations.
- Pierce County Superior Court - local court that handles civil lawsuits in Tacoma and Pierce County.
- Tacoma Municipal Court - for local traffic matters and related procedural inquiries.
- Washington State Bar Association - resources for finding and vetting qualified attorneys in the Tacoma area.
- Better Business Bureau and consumer advocacy groups - for dealer complaints and background checks on repair shops or dealerships.
If you suspect a motor vehicle defect has harmed you or your property, take these steps promptly:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries and keep thorough medical records.
- Preserve the vehicle and any defective parts - do not authorize substantial repairs until you have documented the condition or consulted an attorney, unless safety requires immediate repair.
- Document everything - photographs, repair orders, maintenance records, emails, and texts with the manufacturer or dealer, police reports, and witness information.
- Report the issue to the appropriate agencies - if you believe there is a safety defect, report it to the federal safety agency and your state consumer protection office.
- Notify your insurer - file any required reports with your auto or health insurance carriers, but consult an attorney before giving recorded statements to manufacturers or their representatives.
- Consult a lawyer experienced in motor vehicle defects and product liability - many attorneys offer free consultations and can evaluate liability, damages, and deadlines. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protects your legal rights.
Note - This guide provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a qualified attorney in Tacoma who can review the facts and advise you on the best course of action.
