An auto accident can change your life in an instant. If your accident was caused by a manufacturer's defective design or materials, the company must be held responsible for the harm caused. Call us. We can help.

Wrecks Caused by Defective Vehicles

HMG's experienced team has successfully tried numerous personal injury cases that were a result of defective manufacture or design by automakers and tire manufacturers.

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GENERAL MOTORS IGNITION DEFECT

GM is responsible for injuries and deaths sustained in accidents caused by a defective ignition switch that suddenly cut off the engine, disabling power steering, power brakes and airbags. Bob Hilliard, HMG founding partner, was lead counsel in the trial that resulted in a $90 million settlement.

TOYOTA SUDDEN ACCELERATION

Bob went to court to prove that a Toyota Camry accelerated uncontrollably, causing a crash that killed three people. The jury awarded $10.9 to the victims’ family. Bob Hilliard’s huge victory in Trice, et. al v. Toyota Motor Corporation, et. al is the largest U.S. verdict related to death and injury caused by sudden acceleration of Toyota vehicles.

Tire de-tread

The sudden separation of the outermost tread from the main body of the tire causes a rapid decrease in tire pressure or a blowout. Either situation can send the vehicle out of control or into a rollover accident, which can be lethal. National manufacturers such as Goodyear and Firestone have produced defective tires that failed, causing injurious and fatal accidents. If you suspect your auto accident was the result of tire de-tread, call us. We have years of experience with these cases.

SUV rollovers

Many Sport Utility Vehicles have a high center of gravity, which makes them prone to rolling over during a crash. Driver and passengers can be seriously injured or killed by impact within the vehicle or by being thrown out of the SUV. The manufacturer's design flaws are the source of these tragic events and the SUV-makers must compensate the injured and survivors of those killed. We have successfully taken these powerful corporations to court and made them pay.

Roof crush

When a rollover accident occurs, the vehicle roof support pillars can fail, allowing the roof to smash into the occupants' "survival space." Roof crush injuries often involve the head and neck, and may leave the victim paralyzed for life. Our legal team has experience recovering damages from the manufacturer for the emotional and financial burdens caused by these tragic accidents.

ATV accidents

More than 700 people are killed in All Terrain Vehicle accidents annually in the U.S. Approximately 136,000 people end up in emergency rooms for injuries sustained in these accidents every year. These vehicles, also known as quads, quad bikes, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers, are widely used for family fun, but the fun can turn to tragedy in seconds. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed in an ATV accident, call on us to help — we have successfully tried many similar cases.

Defective seatbelts

Seatbelts are supposed to save your life in a car crash, but what happens if the seatbelt fails? Serious injury and death can be the result. Common seatbelt failures can involve:

• Tension-relieving device — the device that allows the shoulder belt to slacken so the wearer can move comfortably is supposed to stay taut in the event of an accident. If it doesn't, spine fractures, head injuries and internal injuries can occur.
• Defective buckles — A malfunctioning seatbelt latch is like having no seatbelt at all — the wearer is not restrained during a crash.  Severe injury or death often result.
• Passive restraint systems — Because these systems automatically deploy the shoulder belt, the wearer may forget to secure the lap belt. In an accident, the lack of the lap belt can result in strangulation, injury to the liver, spinal cord injury and even decapitation.

Call 800-334-3298 today to tell us about your accident. Your initial review is free.