Chicago, Illinois Auto Accident Attorneys
Representing Clients Injured by Defective Ignition
Like any other auto defect, a defective ignition can lead to accidents, injuries, and deaths. A defective ignition can cause a vehicle to stall out, resulting in a loss of control over the vehicle and potential collisions. Defective ignitions can also result in vehicle fires.
At Ankin Law, our Chicago auto accident attorneys focus on protecting the victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving defective ignitions, stall outs, and other auto defects. If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a defective ignition or a vehicle stall out, contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable Chicago defective ignition lawyer.
Causes of Defective Ignitions
Ignition defects and stall outs can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common types of ignition defects include:
- Defective ignition switches
- Defective ignition modules
- Defective ignition coils
Defective Ignition Recalls
Faulty ignitions have been the cause of a number of high-profile auto recalls in recent years. In 1996, Ford Motor Company recalled 8.7 million automobiles after it received several reports of ignitions that caught fire. Honda and Acura issued a massive recall of its vehicles, including the Accord, Civic, and Odyssey, based on faulty ignition switches. Nonetheless, despite these massive recalls, auto manufacturers often fail to issue a recall in a timely enough manner to prevent unnecessary injuries. Moreover, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration often receives complaints of other defective ignitions on vehicles for which no recall is issued.
If an auto manufacturer or anyone in the supply chain fails to provide safe products, it can be found liable in a product liability lawsuit. A product liability claim, including a defective ignition claim, can be based on any one of the following theories, all of which require that the plaintiff prove that the car’s defect caused the plaintiff’s injuries:
- Negligence – The alleged responsible party knew of or reasonably should have known of the ignition’s defect and failed to satisfy its duty to protect the consumer and/or the public.
- Strict Liability – In Illinois, auto manufacturers and dealerships may be responsible for injuries caused by auto defects, including defective ignitions, if (1) the product was defective and unreasonably dangerous for its intended purpose; (2) the defect existed when the product left the vehicle manufacturer; and (3) the defective vehicle caused the plaintiff’s injury.
- Breach of Warranty – The auto manufacturer or dealership violated a written or implied warranty guaranteeing a product free from defects.
At Ankin Law, our Chicago auto defect attorneys are dedicated to protecting the victims of serious auto accidents, including those involving defective ignitions, defective fuel systems, vehicle fires, and other auto defect claims. Because we focus on representing the victims of auto accidents and auto product liability claims, we are well-versed in the Illinois auto accident laws and regulations. We are familiar with the processes and procedures of insurance companies so we can work to get you a quick and favorable settlement.
If a favorable settlement is not possible, our team includes skilled Chicago auto defect litigators, who will vigorously fight to protect your rights in a court of law. If you have been injured as a result of a defective ignition, contact one of our Chicago auto defect attorneys today to learn more about a possible auto defect product liability claim.