Vehicle Defects vs. Driver Negligence: Who’s Liable in a Car Accident?

When a car accident occurs, one of the first questions we ask is: Who is at fault? In many cases, the answer seems obvious—a distracted or reckless driver caused the crash. But what if the real culprit was something more hidden, like a defective brake system or a tire blowout? At Gelbstein & Associates, PLLC, we’ve handled countless cases where the lines between driver negligence and vehicle defects blur, and determining liability requires deep legal insight.

Understanding the difference between driver negligence and a vehicle defect is crucial not only for victims seeking justice but also for ensuring accountability. Here’s how we help our clients unravel these complex situations to pursue the compensation they deserve.

What Is Driver Negligence?

Driver negligence refers to behavior behind the wheel that falls below the expected standard of care. This could include distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, driving under the influence, or failing to yield. When these actions result in an accident, the negligent driver is typically held responsible.

We often see these types of claims when representing clients as a Brooklyn car accident lawyer. Whether the accident occurred in Flatbush, Flatlands, or Park Slope, establishing driver negligence involves collecting evidence like police reports, witness testimony, and surveillance footage.

What Are Vehicle Defects?

Vehicle defects, on the other hand, are issues with the car itself—either in design, manufacturing, or maintenance. These can include:

• Faulty airbags

• Brake failure

• Tire blowouts

• Electrical malfunctions

• Steering issues

When a defect causes or contributes to a crash, the manufacturer, supplier, or even a mechanic may be held liable under product liability law. As a firm with extensive experience in injury litigation, we know how to build cases that hold companies accountable for endangering drivers and passengers.

How Do We Determine Liability?

In many accidents, both driver negligence and vehicle defects may be factors. For example, if a driver was speeding but also experienced a tire blowout due to a manufacturing flaw, determining liability becomes more complex.

At Gelbstein & Associates, we conduct thorough investigations that may involve:

• Hiring accident reconstruction experts

• Reviewing maintenance records

• Examining manufacturer recall notices

• Inspecting the damaged vehicle for mechanical faults

Our role is to uncover the full picture—because understanding whether a defect or negligent action caused the crash directly impacts who can be held financially responsible.

Why This Matters for Victims

Liability directly affects compensation. If a driver is at fault, their insurance will be the primary source of damages. However, if a defect is to blame, we may pursue a claim against the manufacturer or distributor, which can often lead to higher compensation due to the involvement of corporate insurers.

Victims of serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage face life-altering consequences and long-term care needs. Our experience with traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury cases in Brooklyn, NY allows us to advocate aggressively for full compensation in these complex, high-stakes cases.

Don’t Face This Battle Alone

Whether you need a car accident attorney, a motorcycle accident lawyer, or even the best injury lawyer to evaluate a defective vehicle claim, Gelbstein & Associates, PLLC is here to help. We understand the unique challenges of personal injury law in Brooklyn—from Park Slope to Flatlands—and our legal team brings more than 100 years of combined experience to every case.

We’re not just here to process paperwork—we’re here to listen, investigate, and fight for you. If you’ve been injured in an accident and aren’t sure whether the driver or the vehicle is to blame, let us help you find the answers and get the justice you deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery. You can reach us at https://gelbstein.com/contact-us/.