What If a Recalled Car Part Contributed to Your NJ Crash?

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Car accidents are life-changing events. When an accident is caused not by driver error but by a defective or recalled vehicle component, the aftermath becomes even more complicated. Many drivers in New Jersey may not realize that a malfunctioning part — one that may have already been recalled by the manufacturer — could be the root cause of their crash.

This guide is designed to help individuals in New Jersey understand what legal options are available if a recalled or defective car part played a role in their accident. We’ll explain what qualifies as a product liability case, how liability is determined, what evidence you’ll need, and why it’s essential to consult with a lawyer who understands these types of claims.

 

Understanding Auto Recalls and Defective Car Parts

Auto recalls occur when a car manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determines that a vehicle or a component poses a safety risk or fails to meet regulatory standards. Manufacturers are required to notify owners and offer free repairs or replacements for the faulty component.

However, many consumers never receive recall notifications. Others may be unaware that a previous owner ignored a recall or that a seemingly minor issue could lead to a dangerous accident. It’s not uncommon for a recall to be issued months—or even years—after a vehicle is sold.

Commonly Recalled Components

Some of the most frequently recalled vehicle parts include:

1. Airbags that deploy with too much force or without cause (such as in the widespread Takata airbag recall).
2. Braking systems that may fail under certain conditions.
3. Steering columns or power steering systems that can lose responsiveness.
4. Fuel systems that are prone to leakage or explosion.
5. Electrical systems that can short circuit or fail entirely.

These types of failures can lead to high-impact collisions, rollovers, or rear-end accidents, particularly when they occur without warning during regular driving conditions.

 

How Recalled Parts Can Lead to Crashes

Recalled or defective auto parts can directly contribute to crashes by failing at critical moments. Unlike human error, these failures are mechanical and often beyond the driver’s control.

For instance, a defective brake system might not respond when a driver tries to stop at a red light. A steering malfunction might cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle at highway speeds. A spontaneous airbag deployment might block a driver’s view or injure them mid-drive, resulting in a loss of control.

Real-World Scenarios in New Jersey

In Trenton, a driver rear-ended another vehicle after his anti-lock braking system failed during a heavy rainstorm. The manufacturer had issued a recall notice months earlier, but the driver never received it.

A Jersey City family was hospitalized after their SUV’s airbag deployed while driving over a speed bump. Investigators later found the airbag model had been under active recall for explosive deployment risks.

In Newark, a driver crashed into a median when the car’s steering column failed mid-turn. That specific make and model had been listed on a recent NHTSA bulletin for potential steering loss due to component corrosion.

 

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Recall-Related Crash?

In New Jersey, liability for a crash involving a recalled vehicle part can fall on several different parties, depending on who was responsible for the defect and who failed to prevent the harm.

1. Manufacturer Liability

The vehicle or parts manufacturer is typically the first place legal responsibility rests. If a design flaw or defect in manufacturing caused the part to fail, they may be held strictly liable — meaning you don’t need to prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused harm.

2. Dealership or Seller Responsibility

If a dealership sold a vehicle without disclosing an active recall, or if they failed to complete recall repairs before selling the car, they may share responsibility. This is especially true if they were aware of the issue but did not act.

3. Mechanics and Repair Shops

In some cases, a mechanic or auto shop could be at fault if they installed a part incorrectly, ignored signs of a dangerous defect, or failed to inform the car owner of a known safety issue.

Determining liability often requires investigation, expert analysis, and access to repair records, part history, and recall documentation.

 

Filing a Product Liability or Injury Claim in New Jersey

Victims of accidents caused by recalled parts may pursue a product liability or personal injury claim in civil court. New Jersey law allows injured parties to seek compensation when defective products cause harm, especially in high-stakes situations like vehicle crashes.

What You Need to Prove

To build a strong case, you must show:

1. The vehicle part was defective or unreasonably dangerous.
2. The defect existed at the time of manufacture or sale.
3. The defect directly caused the accident or contributed to your injuries.
4. You were using the vehicle in a reasonably foreseeable manner.

Unlike traditional negligence cases, product liability in NJ is based on strict liability, meaning you do not have to prove the manufacturer’s intent or carelessness—only that the product was unsafe and caused harm.

Gathering Evidence

Key documents and evidence for your case may include:

1. Vehicle recall history using the VIN number (available through NHTSA.gov).
2. The police accident report noting mechanical failure or malfunction.
3. Photographs and/or videos of the damaged part or vehicle.
4. Statements from witnesses or passengers.
5. Maintenance and service records.
6. An inspection report by an auto defect expert or engineer.

It’s important to preserve the vehicle after the crash, as any repairs or removals may eliminate vital evidence.

 

The Legal Process: What to Expect

Filing a product liability lawsuit in New Jersey typically follows this process:

Initial Investigation

Your attorney will gather all relevant evidence, inspect the vehicle, interview witnesses, and work with experts to confirm the part was defective and caused the crash.

Filing the Lawsuit

A formal complaint is filed with the court against one or more liable parties, such as the car manufacturer, the parts supplier, or the dealership.

Discovery

This legal phase involves exchanging information, documents, and testimony between both sides. It’s a critical time for gathering internal reports, recall documentation, and deposition statements.

Settlement or Trial

Many cases are resolved through negotiated settlements. If a fair agreement isn’t reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a jury determines fault and awards compensation.

Compensation You May Receive

1. Medical bills (past, current, and future)
2. Lost wages and reduced earning potential
3. Property damage (vehicle and belongings)
4. Pain and suffering
5. Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

 

Why You Should Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Defective auto part cases are highly technical and often involve major corporate defendants with aggressive legal teams. Without an experienced product liability lawyer, you may struggle to access evidence or recover fair compensation.

A knowledgeable attorney can:

• Determine who is responsible for the defect.
• Consult with engineering experts and investigators.
• Handle all paperwork and filings.
• Negotiate with insurance companies.
• Represent you in court if necessary.

Look for attorneys who have experience with auto defect litigation and who understand New Jersey’s product liability laws. Many offer free consultations and only charge if they win your case.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if I didn’t know about the recall until after the accident?
Yes, you can still sue even if you were unaware of the recall. Under New Jersey product liability law, your right to compensation is not dependent on whether you received a recall notice. In fact, the manufacturer’s failure to properly notify you may further support your claim. The law places responsibility on the manufacturer or other responsible parties, not on the consumer’s knowledge of a defect.

How do I find out if a recalled part caused my accident?
The best place to start is by checking your vehicle’s recall history using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your vehicle or part was under active recall at the time of the crash, this may be a key factor. In most cases, an attorney will help coordinate an inspection of the damaged part by a qualified expert who can identify whether a specific defect contributed to or caused the crash.

Do I have to prove that the manufacturer was negligent to win my case?
Not necessarily. In product liability cases in New Jersey, you may pursue compensation under a legal theory called “strict liability.” This means you don’t have to prove that the manufacturer acted carelessly or negligently—only that the product was defective, unreasonably dangerous, and caused your injury while being used as intended. However, in cases involving gross negligence or misconduct, additional damages such as punitive damages may be pursued.

What if the dealership didn’t tell me the car was under recall?
If the dealership sold you a vehicle with an active recall and failed to inform you or correct the issue, they may be held liable. Dealerships have a legal and ethical duty to disclose safety-related recalls and ensure repairs are made prior to the sale. Failure to do so could make them partially or fully responsible for your damages, depending on the facts of your case.

What compensation am I entitled to if a recalled part caused my crash?
You may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages, including reimbursement for medical bills, physical therapy, lost income, property damage, emotional distress, and long-term disability. In some cases, courts may award punitive damages if the responsible party acted with extreme negligence, such as knowingly hiding a dangerous defect.

 

Contact The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., Today

If you’ve been involved in an accident and suspect that a recalled or defective vehicle part was the cause, don’t wait. Legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) apply in New Jersey, and critical evidence can disappear quickly after a crash.

Consult a personal injury lawyer with experience in defective auto part cases. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Your safety shouldn’t depend on a manufacturer’s mistake. Contact The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., today to protect your rights and start your recovery.