Omaha Auto Defect Lawyer

Are You in Need of an Auto Defect Accident Attorney?

If you were injured because a vehicle defect contributed to your accident, you may have legal options beyond a standard insurance claim. An experienced Omaha car accident lawyer can investigate whether an automaker, parts manufacturer, or another responsible party should be held accountable.

The Omaha product defect lawyer at Bottlinger Law L.L.C. helps injury victims understand their rights after serious accidents. Jason Bottlinger carefully investigates the cause of every collision and works to identify all potentially liable parties. Whether your injuries resulted from a defective safety system or a dangerous vehicle design, our goal is to pursue maximum compensation.

You should consider speaking with an attorney if:

• A vehicle component failed before or during a crash
• An airbag failed to deploy or deployed unexpectedly
• Your seatbelt did not properly restrain you
• Your brakes or steering suddenly malfunctioned
• A tire experienced a blowout without warning
• Your vehicle caught fire after a collision
• You suffered injuries that appear worse because a safety feature failed
• You believe your vehicle was subject to a recall

Why Choose Us Over Other Auto Defect Lawyers in Omaha?

Choosing legal representation matters, particularly in complicated product liability cases involving automobile manufacturers and insurance companies. These companies have teams of engineers, investigators, and defense attorneys working to protect their interests.

Jason Botlinger understands that serious injuries affect every part of your life. We take the time to listen, answer your questions, and develop a legal strategy tailored to your situation.

Here’s what sets out law firm apart:

• Free consultations to discuss your case with our attorney before you decide how to move forward.
• Founded in 2013 with years of trusted legal service to individuals and families.
• Selected by Expertise as one of Omaha's Best Car Accident Attorneys for outstanding client service.
• Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for providing proven case results.
• Named a Top 100 Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers based on peer nominations, past case results, trial experience, and standing within the legal community.
• Perfect A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting a commitment to client satisfaction.
• Personalized attention throughout your case from start to finish, with direct communication every step of the way.

Holding Negligent Manufacturers Accountable

When defective airbags, brakes, tires, or other vehicle components lead to serious injuries, you may have a product liability claim. Call (402) 505-8234 for a free case evaluation.

What Is an Auto Defect?

An auto defect is a dangerous flaw in a vehicle or one of its components that creates an unreasonable safety risk. These defects can affect passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles.

Defects generally fall into three categories, design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn:

• Design Defects. A design defect exists before a vehicle is ever manufactured. Every vehicle built according to the design contains the same dangerous flaw.
• Manufacturing Defects. A manufacturing defect occurs during production. Although the design may be safe, mistakes made during manufacturing create dangerous conditions.
• Failure to Warn. Manufacturers also have a responsibility to warn consumers about known dangers and provide instructions for safe vehicle operation. Failure to issue adequate warnings or timely recalls may result in liability.

How Auto Defects Cause Injuries

Modern vehicles contain thousands of parts designed to work together to keep occupants safe. When one critical component fails, the results can be devastating. Determining whether these injuries resulted from a defective vehicle often requires engineering analysis, accident reconstruction, and extensive investigation.

Common injury-causing scenarios include:

• Tire blowouts causing rollovers
• Steering failures causing loss of vehicle control
• Brake defects preventing drivers from stopping
• Airbags deploying with excessive force
• Airbags failing to deploy during severe crashes
• Seatbacks collapsing during rear-end collisions
• Fuel systems igniting after impact
• Seatbelts failing during crashes

Types of Auto Defects That Cause Injuries

Vehicle defects can affect nearly every major system, from crash protection features to steering, braking, and structural components.

Airbag Defects

Airbags save countless lives each year when they function properly. Instead of protecting occupants, defective airbags may cause severe facial injuries, eye injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or fatal injuries.

Potential airbag defects include:

• Failure to deploy
• Unexpected deployment
• Delayed deployment
• Excessive deployment force
• Defective inflators
• Metal fragment explosions
• Faulty crash sensors

Defective Tires

Tires are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road. A sudden blowout at highway speeds may cause the driver to lose control, resulting in rollovers or multi-vehicle collisions.

Even a minor defect can lead to catastrophic crashes. Common tire defects include:

• Tread separation
• Sidewall failures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper bonding
• Defective rubber compounds

Seatback Collapse

Vehicle seats are designed to remain stable during collisions. When seatbacks collapse unexpectedly, occupants may be thrown backward, causing severe injuries. Children seated behind collapsing front seats are particularly vulnerable in these situations.

Seatbelt Failures

Defective seatbelts may unlatch during a crash, tear apart, fail to lock, allow excessive occupant movement, or break at their anchor points. Any of these failures can reduce the seatbelt's ability to protect occupants and increase the risk of serious injury.

Brake Malfunctions

Drivers rely on brakes every time they operate a vehicle. Even a few additional feet of stopping distance can mean the difference between avoiding a crash and suffering severe injuries.

Brake defects may involve hydraulic failures, defective brake lines, faulty anti-lock braking systems, premature brake wear, or electronic brake failures. These issues can reduce stopping power or prevent the brakes from functioning properly, increasing the risk of a serious crash.

Fuel System Defects

Fuel systems should remain intact during collisions. Manufacturers may be held responsible when safer designs were available. Dangerous defects may allow gasoline or diesel fuel to leak after impact, increasing the risk of:

• Vehicle fires
• Explosions
• Severe burns
• Smoke inhalation injuries
• Fatal accidents

Steering and Suspension Issues

Steering or suspension failures include steering lockups, broken tie rods, suspension collapse, power steering failures, or steering column defects. These defects can make it difficult or impossible to maintain control of a vehicle, increasing the likelihood of a serious accident.

Structural & Design Flaws

Vehicle structure is meant to play a major role in protecting occupants during crashes. When a vehicle fails to properly absorb crash energy, occupants may suffer significantly more severe injuries.

Poor structural design may involve:

• Weak roof structures
• Inadequate side-impact protection
• Defective crush zones
• Poor rollover protection
• Weak passenger compartments

Defective Ignitions

Some ignition systems have been linked to serious safety failures. These failures can make car accidents unavoidable and increase injury severity.

Potential problems include ignitions switching off while driving, loss of engine power, disabled power steering or brakes, and airbags failing to deploy because of interrupted electrical power. These failures can leave drivers unable to control their vehicles and increase the risk of severe collisions.

Don't Face a Complex Auto Defect Claim Alone

Vehicle manufacturers and insurance companies have significant resources on their side. We know how to protect your interests. Call (402) 505-8234 to learn more today.

How an Attorney Can Help

Auto defect cases require extensive investigation and legal knowledge. Unlike ordinary accident claims, these cases may involve product liability laws, engineering evidence, and multiple defendants.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

An Omaha car accident attorney can work with engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and product safety experts to determine exactly why the vehicle failed.

Preserving Critical Evidence

The defective vehicle itself could be the most important piece of evidence. An attorney can take steps to preserve the vehicle before repairs or disposal occurs.

Identifying Liable Parties

Liability may extend beyond another negligent driver. Responsible parties include:

• Automobile manufacturers
• Parts manufacturers
• Vehicle distributors
• Dealerships
• Repair facilities
• Maintenance companies

Reviewing Recall Information

Your Omaha auto product liability attorney can investigate whether the vehicle was subject to a recall, whether the manufacturer knew about the defect, and whether similar incidents had been reported previously. These facts may become important evidence during litigation. A lawyer can also determine whether consumers received proper notice and whether the manufacturer took appropriate steps to address the issue.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny responsibility. A lawyer can:

• Handle all communications
• Calculate your damages
• Present supporting evidence
• Protect you from unfair insurance company tactics
• Aggressively negotiate settlement offers
• Take your case to trial if the other side refuses to negotiate in good faith

What Compensation Is Available?

If a defective vehicle or auto part caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the financial and personal losses you have suffered. The value of your claim will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the evidence supporting your case.

An attorney can evaluate your circumstances and pursue the full compensation available under the law. This may include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Lost income
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim in Nebraska

A wrongful death claim may be filed when someone's death was caused by another party's negligent, reckless, or wrongful conduct. Under Nebraska law, the personal representative of the deceased person's estate typically files the claim on behalf of the surviving beneficiaries. Compensation may include funeral and burial expenses, the loss of financial support and services, and the loss of companionship and guidance experienced by eligible family members.

Injuries Caused by Auto Defects

Auto defects contribute to serious collisions by preventing drivers from maintaining control of their vehicles or by failing to protect occupants during a crash. Because these accidents often involve high-impact forces or safety system failures, the resulting injuries can be severe and life-changing.

Drivers and passengers may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Internal organ damage
• Facial injuries
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Evidence in auto defect cases can disappear quickly. Vehicles are often repaired, sold, or declared total losses before experts have an opportunity to inspect them. Electronic vehicle data may also be lost if it is not preserved promptly. Seeking legal guidance soon after an accident allows your attorney to take immediate steps to protect valuable evidence while your case is being investigated.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Can I give more than 5 stars? - Michele Greer (5-Star Google Review)

Can I give more than 5 stars? Jason took my case before the pandemic when 7 other attorneys had said it was a loser. Well, several years later and he proved them wrong… never gave up… and did a great job. He's not just a great attorney but also a nice guy with an awesome staff! Highly recommend.

Your team is fantastic. - Mary Janel Selix (5-Star Google Review)

All I can say is: thank you for your hard work and dedication to my case. Won't go anywhere else. Your team is fantastic.

Other Locations We Serve in Nebraska

• Bennington
• Fremont
• Omaha
• Papillion and La Vista
• Ralston

Speak With an Experienced Auto Defect Lawyer in Omaha

If you believe a defective vehicle or vehicle component contributed to your injuries, you do not have to face the legal process alone. Jason Bottlinger understands the challenges these cases can present. He is prepared to investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, identify every potentially responsible party, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

We offer free consultations, so you can discuss your situation and understand your legal options without financial risk.

Call (402) 505-8234 to learn more today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Defects

Can I file a lawsuit if a defective vehicle part caused my injuries?

Yes. If a defective vehicle or auto part caused or contributed to your injuries, you may be able to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or another responsible party. An Omaha attorney can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

What is considered an auto defect?

An auto defect is a flaw in a vehicle's design, manufacturing, or safety warnings that makes the vehicle unreasonably dangerous. Common examples include defective airbags, faulty brakes, tire failures, steering defects, and seatbelt malfunctions.

Who can be held responsible for an auto defect accident?

Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to the vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer, distributor, dealership, or another company involved in designing, manufacturing, or selling the defective vehicle or component.

How do I know if a vehicle defect caused my accident?

Determining whether an auto defect played a role often requires a detailed investigation. A lawyer may work with accident reconstruction specialists and engineering experts to inspect the vehicle and identify any defective components.

What should I do after an accident in Omaha involving a suspected vehicle defect?

Seek medical attention, preserve the vehicle if possible, avoid making repairs until it can be inspected, keep all maintenance records, and contact an attorney as soon as possible. Preserving evidence is often critical in auto defect cases.

Meet Our Auto Defect Attorney

Jason Bottlinger

Jason Bottlinger is the founder of Bottlinger Law L.L.C. He has been representing injured individuals and families since 2006. Jason believes every client deserves honest guidance, responsive communication, and dedicated advocacy while pursuing the compensation they need to move forward after a serious injury.

Additional Information

• What Types of Defective Products Hurt People Most Often?
• How Auto Recalls Save Lives
• Seat Belt Syndrome Explained
• Safety Issues & Recalls - NHTSA
• Recalls Look-up by VIN - Vehicle Identification Number