America’s obsession with the automobile does not appear to be fading. There are more than 250 million cars on the road in the U.S. and the numbers continue to increase.
This incredible race to production, however, has come at a human cost. Automobiles with defective parts and those with inherently dangerous designs kill and injure thousands of people each year. In 2014, more than 50 million cars and trucks were recalled nationwide for a range of hazards including faulty airbags, ignition switches, alternators, brakes, tires, and more. Landmark cases against GM and Toyota have recently put the spotlight on the problem.
For every automobile injury or death tied to a known defect, safety experts believe there are countless more that are never investigated and never connected with the true cause defective product or a motor vehicle with a dangerous design flaw.
The defective automobile lawyers at Berman & Simmons believe the best way to improve safety for all motorists is to hold manufacturers, part makers, dealerships, and others fully accountable for putting innocent people at risk. We have more experience than any other Maine firm in representing victims of defective automobile parts and dangerous design.
Defective automobile cases require the best lawyers with specialized expertise
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine. We have recovered $1.35 billion for our injured clients.
You may have the right to receive compensation under Maine law. Our attorneys have the skills, expertise, resources and experience to make sure you can be fully compensated. We handle all types of injury claims resulting from defective products, with a particular focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases.
How do I find out if you have a defective product claim?
The first step is for our lawyers to work with you to determine whether your injuries are tied to a failure in the design or the manufacture of the automobile, or the lack of proper warnings or instructions.
Many people come to us after a motor vehicle accident with questions about why it happened. Many wonder whether a defective part or design defect was to blame. In some cases, after a review of the facts, we conclude that a defective product did not play a role in the crash. In others, we do find evidence of a faulty part or a design problem, and we pursue justice on behalf of our client.
The only way to know for sure, and to have peace of mind, is a thorough review of the facts. Our team is built to do just that.
You focus on recovery. We take care of the rest.
After an injury, your attention can be pulled away from the one place where it should be on your health and recovery. Instead, you face the pressure of creditors, employers, and insurance companies that often try to place the blame on you, the victim.
We can turn the tables in your favor. While our lawyers aggressively work to maximize your financial award, our caring and responsive staff can help reduce stress during your recovery. We take the time to listen to you, understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved.
With us in your corner, you can focus on your health, and get back to living your life.
A Law Firm That Listens
Berman & Simmons is widely recognized as the best personal injury lawyers in Maine and among the best in the U.S., having won many of the largest jury verdicts and settlements ever obtained for injured people in Maine.
Our trial lawyers have won thousands of claims on behalf of those injured in a car accident, and each year we build on that successful track record.
Our attorneys and staff members will take the time to listen to you, work to understand your concerns, and come up with solutions that can make your life better, including obtaining payment for or deferral of your debts until your case is resolved. We help you recover and make sure you receive full compensation for your injuries and loss.
Case Story - ATV Accident
Get Peace of Mind
It never hurts to consult an attorney regardless of whether you decide to move forward.
Many states have strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
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The other insurance company is likely already building their client’s case against you.
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Witnesses may become unavailable and evidence may be lost or degraded with time.
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You’ll need help navigating your medical care and dealing with financial pressures.
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You need peace of mind to focus on your recovery.
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
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Are defective automobiles common?
Yes, defective automobiles are more common than you might think. In 2014, over 50 million automobiles were recalled nationwide for a variety of issues, including faulty airbags, ignition switches, alternators, brakes, and tires.
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What are the most common automobile defects?
According to Ford, common automobile defects include:
- Seatbelts
- Airbags
- Door Latch Mechanisms
- Fuel Pump
- Steering components
- Braking systems
- Windows
- Tires
- Windshield wipers
- Headlights and taillights
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What are examples of recent large-scale defective automobiles?
Toyota and GM are responsible for some of the biggest defective automobile scandals in recent history, especially when consumers learned that they knew about their defect for quite some time before their first recall. Toyota’s “unintended acceleration” defect in 2010 ultimately resulted in less than 10 million cars being recalled, and GM’s ignition switch defect in 2014 resulted in 27 million cars being recalled.